Ties with Army, Navy for coral reforestation eyed

The Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC) is considering a partnership with the Army and the Navy for a massive coral reforestation project in at least eight sites in the country.

Jose Rodriguez, an official of the cooperative, said they will soon provide the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) central office a presentation on the proposed partnership.

Under the “Code Blue Project,” the DOST authorized the SPC to spearhead reforestation initiatives to revive dwindling coral reefs across the country.

The cooperative, with the help of various partners, had already carried out coral reforestation in Camiguin, Cavite and this island resort.

Rodriguez said that, primarily, they wanted the help of divers from the said Armed Forces units.

“The SPC has only eight divers, and we could not cover all the required sites for reforestation,” the cooperative leader said.

According to Rodriguez, the coral reforestation project aims to eventually improve tourism and food security.

While leading an environment-saving program, the SPC was not spared from criticisms.

Rodriguez said they consider doubts on the cooperative’s ability to lead the project a roadblock in achieving their goals.

“If the critics wanted to handle the project — if they are really interested and capable — we can give it to them,” he stressed.

One of the areas the group is focusing on is Zamboanga, which boasts of a pink-sand beach./