FOUR Tañon Strait fisherfolk advocated for the conservation, coastal law enforcement and sustainable fisheries in the Visayas. Their selfless efforts did not go unnoticed. They were honored as Ocean Heroes during the recent ceremony held in Bacolod City.
The 2017 Ocean Heroes are Virgilio Aviso, Renato Buenviaje, Jocelyn Moya-Hekrdle and Mariano Sarcol. They stood out from dozens of candidates for their commitment to protect the Tañon Strait, a 161-kilometer strip dividing the provinces of Cebu and Negros Island.
Recognition was also given to Tañon Strait marine-protected areas (MPAs), which are managed through strong local government and community collaboration. The MPAs are now providing a wide range of environmental, social and economic benefits for coastal communities.
The strait is one of the largest and most productive MPAs in the country, hosting 63 percent of the country’s coral species and 14 types of whales and dolphins, while providing food and livelihood for 42 cities and municipalities in Cebu, Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.
“Our Ocean Heroes inspire so many, including our enforcement agencies, with their vigor and courage in protecting the Tañon Strait. May their determination and dedication spread, as we work together to protect and conserve our rich, yet fragile, marine resources,” Oceana Philippines Vice President lawyer Gloria Estenzo Ramos said.
The awards were integrated with the recognition given to the exemplary stakeholders and partners of the province of Negros Occidental, during the culminating activity of the celebration of the 25th year of the establishment of its Provincial Environment Management Office under the leadership of lawyer Wilmon Penalosa last weekend in Bacolod City.
Gov. Alfredo Maranon led the public officials and participants in the momentous occasion.
Launched in 2016 the Ocean Heroes Awards is a partnership among Oceana Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to honor courageous community leaders to ensure the sustainable management of the marine ecosystems of the Tañon Strait. Its first batch of winners were Norlan Pagal, Oliver Dayupay, Veda Raunillo and Roberto Quigay.
This year’s Ocean Heroes Awards expanded with partnerships of the provincial governments of Cebu, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, Tañon Strait Protected Area Office and Rare Philippines. The inclusion of a new category for “Best-managed Marine Protected Area” inside the protected seascape was spearheaded by the Provincial Agriculture Office, Rare Philippines and the province of Negros Oriental.
Ocean Heroes 2017
- Virgilio Aviso, 65, from Amlan in Negros Oriental, led a focused coastal and marine awareness and value-changing campaign for his community, encouraging fellow fishers and their families to adopt practical conservation measures and proper fishing practices.
Through his leadership, the residents are taking ownership and pride in practicing responsible stewardship over the marine resources.
- Renato Buenviaje, 55, from Escalante City in Negros Occidental, has served as a fish warden for over a decade. He also led a large mangrove-rehabilitation program in his community while ensuring the establishment of the local fisheries council to oversee the rehabilitation of MPAs and other marine habitats.
- Jocelyn Moya-Hekrdle, 51, from Toboso in Negros Occidental, led the establishment of environmental associations and spearheaded activities on marine conservation to protect the marine resources and habitats in and around her home community.
She is active in promoting fisheries law enforcement in the Tañon Strait.
- Mariano Sarcol, 60, from the coastal municipality of Barili in Cebu, was recognized for his advocacy in establishing MPAs, protecting municipal waters against the encroachment of illegal commercial fishers, plus continuously enforcing fishery laws. “I just want to ensure a steady and sustainable supply of wild fish and shellfish. By reducing illegal fishing, I can ensure that our coastal communities will always have food,” he shared.
Oceana works around the globe to promote sustainable fisheries and science-based coastal-resource management.