Lagundi reef seen to rake in millions

Lagundi Reef, like Gilutongan Reef is "expected to generate for Talisay City millions once tourists flock in to dive and see its underwater treasures," this was according to Provincial Board member Agnes Magpale who was guest speaker during the launching of the Lagundi Reef at the People's Hall of the Talisay City Hall last Sunday.

Magpale, chairman of the province's committee on tourism, cited that like Gilutongan Reef, the Lagundi Reef could also rake in millions for Talisay. The Gilutongan reef, she said, is generating an income of P5 million a year.

She also said that even Talisay fishermen would be able to earn by bringing tourists to the Lagundi dive site, which is just 10 minutes away by motorboat from the shores of the Poblacion.

Magpale added the place is just so blessed it was spared from the destruction brought about by dynamite fishing that has been a perennial problem in the city's seas.

The city through councilor Shirley Belleza, chairman of the council's committee on tourism, has been pushing for this spot, located in barangay Poblacion, to become the next dive destination.

Part of her program is the regular feeding of different types of fish found in the hectare-long marine sanctuary. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 1999 has declared the area, with its wide stretch of corals and various marine resources, as a marine sanctuary.

She has already posted members of the city's Fishermen Sea Ecological Care to closely guard the area from dynamite fishing.

The city has also its own diving instructors all from the Talisay City Swimming and Life Saving Association, Inc. who would help those who would want to see "forest under water."