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The Philippine
Navy (PN) and the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) join hands to stop destruction
at the world-class dive site off Balicasag Island and the rest of the Bohol Marine
Triangle (BMT).
Boholano
Admiral Rogelio Calunsag, Naval flag officer in command, and PTA General Manager
Mark Lapid forged the agreement on BMT protection and preservation during a dinner
meeting in Manila on Tuesday brokered by Rep. Edgar Chatto.
Also,
the naval and tourism officials agreed with Chatto on the need for more livelihood
opportunities for the local communities in the eco-tourism area.
The
campaign to save Balicasag is ensured a positive outcome with the involvement
of the Navy. The commitment was given by Lapid and Chatto in a meeting with Mayors
Benedicto Alcala of Panglao, Luciano Bongalos of Dauis and Alvin Uy of Baclayon
in Panglao last week.
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In that conference,
Chatto and the three local chief executives, the PTA head suggested to tap the
services of the navy in securing the Balicasag area and BMT as a whole, which
includes the Pamilacan island, from illegal activities like destructive fishing.
Balicasag
is part of Panglao while Pamilacan belongs to Baclayon.
The
Navy-PTA led marine protection approach will ensure necessary support in the form
of fuel for sea patrol boats from the national allocation of Naval forces, among
others. | Balicasag
Island is a naval reserve a portion of which has been leased to the PTA for eco-tourism.
Lapid
committed to upgrade and expand the PTA facilities in the island as he also trusts
in the capacity of Chatto, House committee chair on tourism, to get support via
legislative channels. (Ven rebo Arigo) | 
