Fisherfolks from the coastal barangay of Pasil in Victorias City, Negros Occidental are hoping to benefit from the growing popularity of eco-tourism with two native cottages they are building in an extensive area of mangrove trees.
With bamboo donated by the Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara, the two cottages, when completed, will be available for visitor rental with the income benefitting the Pasil Fisherfolks Association.
The bamboo was turned over recently to the barangay during the latest mangrove planting activity of the Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara conducted with the Rotary Club of Victorias, the Rotaract Club of Marapara and PFA members. Some 1,000 seedlings were planted.
“The fisherfolk are keen to transform this important area of mangrove trees into a local Eco-tourism site, and we’re delighted to be able to assist them in this endeavor,” said Rolando Corona, president of Marapara Rotary.
“Mangrove trees are important to the environment and the people, not only serving as the community’s natural sea barrier, but also a sanctuary for commercially valuable fish and other marine life.”
In the coming months, Marapara Rotary plans to plant an additional 10,000 mangrove trees across Negros Occidental.*
