Marine protected area sponsored by Sarangani power plant cited as one of PH best
Marine protected area sponsored by Sarangani power plant cited as one of PH’s best. The Kamanga Marine Eco-Tourism Park and Sanctuary of Maasim, Sarangani was recently named as one of Para el MAR (for the Sea) Awards’ Most Outstanding Marine Protected Areas in the Philippines. Located within the vicinity of the Alsons Power Group’s Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) power plant, the marine protected area underscores the Alsons Power Group’s commitment to preserve and protect the environment in all the areas where it operates.
In 2009, SEC partnered with the Maasim LGU (local government unit) and the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation to launch the Artificial Reef Deployment project in a bid to restore Sarangani Bay’s rich marine and coastal life. SEC not only led the distribution of about 4,300 concrete artificial reefs to date in the bay area but has also, along with community partners, released two million healthy bangus fry and planted close to 35,000 mangrove seedlings for the past five years to ensure the coastal health of Maasim.
Para el MAR, now on its 5th year, is a biennial event organized by MPA Support Network (MSN), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DABFAR), the UP Marine Science Institute and other supporting partners.
Alsons Power is Mindanao’s first and most experienced independent power producer. The 210 MW SEC baseload power plant is all set to begin commercial operations in the first quarter of 2016, a development that will help provide a lasting and sustainable solution to Mindanao’s five-year-old power shortage.