Pursuing Envi Mission: La Union Launches Fisheries Refugia, Recognizes Envi Champs
By: Camille R. Bumatay, PIO | Photos By: Rizalde Buenaventura, Jahp Pulido, Rechelle Dulay and Mark Jansen Ballesteros, PIO | Date: March 19, 2024
In the continuous efforts of the Provincial Government of La Union headed by Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David, the province launched the Fisheries Refugia and awards the Linak ken Daluyon 2024: Marine Protected Area (MPA) at the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center (La Union Convention Center), Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union on March 19, 2024 as part of the celebration of #AyatFest2024: 174 Years of Celebrating Love, Celebrating yoUnity.
The event highlights the role of good governance and multi-stakeholder collaboration in fishery management areas. It was organized by the Provincial Government - Environment and Natural Resources Office in partnership with the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc.; United States Agency for International Development; Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; and Gerry Roxas Foundation.
In Gov. Rafy’s message delivered by Executive Assistant Eleazar Belgica, she emphasized, “Through projects such as this, we can safeguard and allow fish population to replenish and support sustainable fisheries…ang pagtatatag po ng fisheries refugia ay ang unang step lamang. We need proper management on this project upang matiyak na maging successful and proyektong ito.”
The event also recognized La Union’s MPAs championed by the Lingsat MPA of the City of San Fernando which also won the Saviors of the Sea and Best in Enforcement Awards. The Quirino MPAs of the Municipality of Bacnotan was the First Runner-up. The Bauang Bakawan Eco Park of the Municipality of Bauang secured the Second Runner-up while also winning the Coastal Greenbelt and Largest MPA Awards. The Paraoir MPA of the Municipality of Balaoan and Taboc Artificial Reef MPA of the Municipality of San Juan won the Third and Fourth Runners-up respectively while the BalBaSan MPA Network was recognized for being the First MPA Network in the province.
KaPROBINSYAnihan winners of Communication, Education and Public Awareness Activities on Photography and TikTok Challenge were also recognized. Brgy. Santiago Sur of Caba topped the TikTok Challenge followed by Brgy. San Agustin East and Santa Rita of Agoo while the Photography contest was championed by Rowell Timoteo followed by John Kirby Savellano and Noriel Rullamas.
The event fueled on #LaUnionPROBINSYAnihan and served as an encouragement to KaPROBINSYAnihan to continue to be more active in the province’s #KalikasanNaman advocacies.
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