CEBU, Philippines - An artificial reef project was launched at Brgy. Naungan in Ormoc City by Vice Mayor Leo Carmelo Locsin Jr., with the help of village Chairman Rafael Taneo and members of the Naungan-San Juan Mangrove Planters Association.
The 39-year-old vice mayor, known also as an environmentalist, said the project was done by his own initiative and financed by donations from family friends: Chinggay Almeda Lopez, Linda Lagdameo, China Jocson and Camilla Sundman.
Twelve artificial "reef balls" were dropped to the sea last with a "floater" or a raft from Petron Corporation, while a 13th one was kept at the Barangay Hall as a "demo" unit.
Locsin, upbeat about his advocacy, said more donors are being sought as he now targets 500 more artificial reefs to be put up at Ormoc Bay. The vice mayor designed the reef balls himself together with his friend Joe Enero.
Taneo, for his part, said the artificial reefs will help raise the fish population thus increase the fishermen's catch and income.