Hundred Islands marine museum inaugurated

ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan , Philippines  – A marine museum has been put up at the Lucap Wharf, the jump off point to the Hundred Islands, to showcase its underwater biodiversity.

The museum was the brainchild of Batch ’77 of the Alaminos National High School, according to Engineer. Ismael Najera, one of the class members and also city general services officer.

“It all started with a dream to revive the museum of our childhood,” Najera said.

Among those who helped establish the marine museum and refurbished the whole wharf were batchmates Edsel Caragan, Naomi Manzano Guerrero, Jenilyn Basa Corpuz and Severina Laya Calderon.

Different species of corals and fish are on display in the museum, the same species that people would actually find thriving in the city’s territorial waters.

Najera thanked Alaminos Mayor Hernani Braganza for declaring an all-out war against illegal fishing in 2005.

For his part, Braganza lauded Najera’s schoolmates for this wonderful gift to the city and its guests. He said the marine museum will be another attraction in the city, next to the eco-parks, colorful festivals and historical landmarks.

Local and foreign tourists could now better appreciate the marine life of the Hundred Islands through this museum. He added that they will also learn how the people of Alaminos treasure and preserve this unique gift of God to the province and to mankind.

Braganza pointed out that what is displayed inside the museum is just a fraction of the marine species that could actually be seen in the Hundred Islands.

He encouraged guests as well as his citymates to go diving and snorkeling at the major dive sites and coral and giant clam gardens.

“Nothing beats the experience of exploring the real beauty of underwater life and various rock formations at the Hundred Islands,” he added.