Efforts to save Cagayan's Palaui Island on

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Philippines - A government-led multi-sectoral task force has stepped up efforts to rehabilitate the scenic Palaui Island here, one of Cagayan Valley’s prime eco-tourism gems.

The effort, spearheaded by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) based in Santa Ana town where the island is located, is intended to return Palaui, known for its Spanish-era lighthouse, to its pristine splendor and continuously maintain its unspoiled land and seascape.

Part of this effort, said Chen Mencias, tourism consultant of CEZA, is the rehabilitation of the coral reefs surrounding the island through “reeforestation.”

The “reeforestation” program includes restoring the island’s mangrove forests, transporting live corals from elsewhere to naturally attach to existing corals, and seeding giant clams among the corals, with all fishery resources to be sourced from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), one of CEZA’s major partners in the multimillion-peso Palaui rehabilitation efforts.

The rehabilitation effort is a result of the awareness of the extent of environmental degradation of the island and irs surrounding waters brought about by over-exploitation of resources by locals and tourists.

Also taken into consideration are the native settlers, the Agtas or Agays, on the island, which lies along the northern tip of Santa Ana town and faces both the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

“We also will be involving the local villagers in the effort to rebuild reefs and improve fishery on the island, aside from helping in the recreation and tourism development plans,” Mencias said.

Said to be an “effective and practical way of preserving, protecting and maintaining coral reefs,” Mencias said reeforestation “will also enhance tourism and boost the locals’ fishing livelihood.”

“Corals and giant clams attract fish and other marine life and promote their reproduction and protection against any predators,” Mencias explained, adding that preserved coral reefs and natural resources will also attract more tourists.

Selected local residents have been trained as tour guides to explain the significance of various locations and natural formations on the island, with the tour leading to the fabled lighthouse.

Blessida Diwa, regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT), said the DOT will help promote the island as one of Northern Luzon’s tourism destinations, highlighting its snorkeling and scuba diving potentials.

“This project will surely add to the attraction of Palaui island, especially the beautiful corals and marine life that are as beautiful as or even more beautiful than other diving sites,” Diwa said.

Also involved in the reeforestation project are the Philippine Navy, Cagayan provincial government, Santa Ana town government, and other national agencies and nongovernmental organizations.