Reefbuds in Boracay survive 'Yolanda'

The reefbuds project in this resort island survived the strong onslaught of the typhoon 'Yolanda' and will continue to provide hope in restoring coral reefs here.

Jojo Rodriguez of the Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC) said that they have conducted assessment over the weekend on the survival of reefbuds project from the super typhoon.

The reefbuds project was funded under the assistance of Senator Loren Legarda, Department of Science and Technology and the Globe Network, among other partners.

It aims to restore damages on coral reefs under the 'Code:Blue Project.'

"At least 80-90 percent of our reefbuds project in Boracay survived the typhoon. However, all coral nursery units have been badly damaged and need constant repairs.

"The good news is our natural recruits increases by 60-80 percent and we documented growth of 0.5 inch to 2-4 inches. We also noted an increase of fish biomass in the area," Rodriguez said.

Aside from Boracay, the SPC, too, has a similar project in the province of Camiguin.

For her part, Virna Salac of the DOST Central Office in a telephone interview said that they are planning to expand the 'Filipinovation' project in other provinces in the country.

"Because of the success of the project, the DOST is planning to expand it in Coron, Zamboanga, Subic, La Union and Mactan. We will still continue the project in Boracay and Camiguin," said Salac.