BAGAC, Bataan- A top army official revealed yesterday that all is set for the planting of around 20,000 coral reefs off the coastal area in Barangay Saysain as part of their contribution to the national government’s environment program.
Lt. Col. Gilmar Galicia, Commanding Officer of the army’s 24th Infantry Battalion, told this writer that he will also coordinate with Mayor Ramil del Rosario, Gov Abet S Garcia, the PNP under Sr Supt Audie Atienza and the Bureau of Fisheries And Aquatic Resources for the said massive planting of coral reef in this coastal town in Bataan.
Himself a driver, Col Galicia said that he will also put up a detachment of the CAFGU, after recruiting some members of the government paramilitary unit, to guard and monitor the said coral reefs in the area.
“This is in preparation also for the proposed worldwide meeting of various leaders in the world for the coming APEC ( Asia Pacific Economic Conference) which is said to be held in the country next year,” said Col Galicia.
He said that the possible venue of the world leaders meeting of the APEC delegates will be inside the Las Casas Resort world class hotel in this town.
Billionaire businessman Jerry Acuzar, owner of Las Casas, is now rushing the construction of world class but uniquely designed houses inside the resort hotel in anticipation perhaps of the world leaders meeting here.
Col Atienza also said earlier that the PNP is now preparing for the security of the said APEC meeting to ensure the safety of the foreign delegates.
The army battalion commander also said that once the coral reef plantation is pushed through “this will serve as show window in the province.”
He added that the putting up of Cafgu detachment in the area will not only protect the coral reefs but also serves as protection unit against illegal fishing being the area was once a hotbed for illegal fishers.
