Environmental group Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC) has lauded the initiative of the city government in conserving the coral reefs as part of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2022.

“We in the North express our voice to the South, we recognize the importance of the ocean and that we shall continuously support all activities to protect our marine ecosystems,” SPC Goodwill Ambassador Justine Robin Brett said in a statement Thursday.

On Sunday, Brett witnessed the Dive Safari activity at the pink sand in Greater Sta. Cruz Island that saw the convergence of divers who conducted a reassessment of the area’s coral reefs.

Dive Safari forms part of the month-long activities of the festival, the highlight of which was the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar, the city’s patron saint, on Oct. 12.

“The devastating effects of climate change, drought, floods, dwindling live fish catch, and ocean level rise, affect the South as well as the North,” Brett, who hails from Baguio City, said.

City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian said the Dive Safari is a local government advocacy to protect the islands most especially the underwater richness.

The activity also aimed to promote appreciation of the island and other diving spots in the city.

“The SPC has been the partner of the city government in the protection, conservation, and preservation of the island environment,” Sebastian, who joined the diving activity, said.

Diving groups who joined the activity included the Team Hammerhead, Sinag, Philippine Coast Guard, Assault Boat Battalion Marines, Police Maritime Group, Naval Forces Western Mindanao, and Combat Service Support Brigade, among others.

“The Southern Philippines is not alone. We have no more time and the time to act is now,” Brett said, adding that Zamboanga City serves as an inspiration with its progressive plans on ecosystem conservation, tourism and industrialization. (PNA)