The late former Getafe mayor Carisso "Bud Spencer" Camacho must be smiling in his grave now.

Camacho's and the town's collective efforts to protect the marine environment off the Bohol sea waters is paying off dividends.

Four years ago, he vowed before the Chronicle that he personally led some running gun-battle chase against poachers and illegal fishers, using (the same) vintas they confiscated from the criminals themselves. Camacho was also proud showcasing the stretched hectares of mangrove plantation off Getafe - one of the largest in Southeast Asia.

The environmental-consciousness of the mayor and the public officials of Getafe had rubbed off on the citizens who formed organizations to manage and secure MPA (Marine Protected Area) to maintain ecological balance. They are there primarily to protect the mangrove, coral reefs and the vanishing sea horse population in the area.

Let us appreciate what these lowly marine lives do to the preservation of nature.

Mangroves prevent the silting of the reef edges which not only wastes valuable fertile soil but also kill reef organisms. The aerial roots of mangroves absorb oxygen which is lacking in the thick and washed down swamps from the interior. Coral reefs, on the other hand, continue to be the best sanctuary for fish and other marine life. The luminous seahorses that shine in the dark water, darling of tourist-divers, are sometimes considered "endangered species."

The massive mangrove Getafe plantation, a result of gigantic reforestation effort, is an environmental gem that should be part of any "Nature Tour" of the province.

Although the Philippines alongside Indonesia and Papua New Guinea have a diverse coral reef landscape, about 35 million acres of coral reefs have been destroyed in the last few years in 93 countries. If the rate of destruction continues, some 70% of the total remaining coral reefs will be obliterated. Getafe has certainly tried to contribute its share in preventing this.

There are several causes of marine life destruction: construction along coasts, mining, logging, careless recreation (diving etc) and collection of corals and water pollution from chemicals and petroleum.

It is therefore a source of pride for Bohol that Elvira Buhol (president) of the Kanagmahulan (group) of seaweed farmers and fisher folks received a distinguished environmental awards and P100,000 cash at the Celebrity Plaza in Quezon City recently for managing the most outstanding marine protected area (MPA) off the Jandayan Island (barangay Handunon) Getafe. The award was given by MPA Support Network in recognition of the group's able preservation of a marine sanctuary even without government support.

The 50-hectare Handuman marine sanctuary is part of the large barrier reef in Bohol teeming with fish, sea shells and marine life.

The dividend is clearly seen with return of active fish life bringing the catch to higher levels in the Bohol sea waters compared to 5 years ago. The environmental crusaders started the job since 1995.

Considering that at least 30% of the original 450,000 hectares of mangrove plantation in the country has been depleted and only 5% of coral reefs are today considered excellent, the yeoman job done by these modern-day environmental warriors cannot be overstated.

While politicians and their big mouths play lip service to the environment and fall over each other to favor construction of roads along coast lines and entertain foreigners to mine Bohol sea waters for oil regardless of the potential damage to the marine environment, here is a group of quiet workers who said no to the almighty peso and said yes to the environment.

Our individual parish churches should take an active role in promoting the protection of the environment instead of being lulled into mainstream of the propaganda blitz of mega projects that only serve to enrich the contractors and their allies and likewise destroy the environment and the legacy to our future generation - our Mother Nature.

Congratulations to the Government and People of Getafe town. You are worth emulating.

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