A team of over 28 volunteers from various government agencies, organizations, and the community conducted a four-day biodiversity assessment at the Lapus Lapus-Macapagao Local Conservation Area, a press release from Sagay PIO said.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Sagay City Environment and Natural Resources Office (SCENRO), in partnership with the State University of Northern Negros (SUNN), aims to safeguard the 364-hectare protected area.
SCENRO head Mayo Antonio Cueva emphasized the significance of the assessment, stating, “understanding the biodiversity of this area is crucial for effective conservation efforts.”
The assessment involved four teams focusing on mangroves, seagrass, and corals, led by the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO), Zoological Society of London (ZSL), and SUNN.
Resource Assessment head Jose Roberto Togle said he is grateful for the technical assistance and support of the team from various agencies and organizations. The results of the assessment will be shared with the community in the coming months.
The area, known for its thriving marine ecosystem and rich wildlife, is being promoted as an emerging ecotourism destination anchored on sustainability. City Ordinance No. 2023-003, which establishes Lapus Lapus Macapagao as a Local Conservation Area and creates its management board, was approved last year.
Local Conservation Areas (LCAs) Program developed by PEMO are designated areas protected by local ordinances due to their significant conservation value. These areas are managed and protected by the Local Government Unit (LGU), which implements conservation and protection measures.
SUNN’s partnership is part of the Future’s Thinking Project on the future of marine reserves, funded under the Office of Senator Pia Cayetano. The biodiversity assessment aligns with the university’s vision of becoming “a globally recognized futures-ready inclusive university niching science and technology.”
ZSL is also partnering with SCENRO by participating in the assessment under the USAID-GRF INSPIRE Subgrant Project through technical assistance.
The teams were , SCENRO: Jose Roberto Togle, Jonathan Cabahug, Kurt John Senoro; SUNN: Abe Gelantagaan, Venice Hulleza, Dina Lagutin, Shiena May Espenida, Rey Obeda, Rey Lagutin Jr., Quiresa Mae Montano, Ernesto Suay, Kimberly Tampus, and Jobert Mapa;
PEMO: Jose Marie Abalajon, Piere Francis San Jose, Raymund Carlos, and John Mark Velez; ZSL: Norielle Diamante, Jay Navajas, Jolly Mider, Fretzel Agranvante, and Shaina Carlos; Community: Joefel Relos, Jonathan Coniendo, Rosemar Dacules, Danilyn Tanguan, Warlito Diotay Sr., Enrico Lorico, Bea Diotay, and Eddie Relos.*
