UNDER WATER PARADISE in the PHILIPPINES

If you watch Discovery Channel or the National Geographic Channel, you probably watched an episode about the Amazon rainforest in South America. The Amazon rainforest is a treasure worth conserving; the variety of life on earth has never been represented as colorful as that by the Amazon rainforest.

Carpenter and fellow researcher Victor Springer of the Smithsonian Institute were the ones who discovered in 2004 that the Philippines, not the Indonesia, was the center of the marine shore fish biodiversity in the world. Carpenter also said that the Passage is one of the most thretened marine areas in the world.

DIVER’S PARADISE

Although there is no commercial fishing in the area, Verde Island Passage is one of the world’s most spectacular areas for aquarium fish. According to Antonio Ramon Ongsiako, a businessmam from Manila who frequents Verde Island, Pulong Bato (a 1.17 hectare fish-rich reef formation off Verde Island and a protected marine sanctuary) is among the world’s best diving spots.

The marine eden is so rich that fishermen can scoop out foot-long eels and tiny shrimps at the water’s edge.

SOURCE OF LIVELIHOOD

Verde Island Passage provides livelihood to local residents. In fact, aquarium fishing has replaced commercial fishing as a means of livelihood for the island’s residents.

The First Philippine Conservation Inc, a private sector foundation, has been educating the residents about how to conserve rather than to exploit Verde Island’s Resources. It has helped displaced fishermen find alternative jobs and educate aquarium fishermen on conservation values.

A HERITAGE TO CONSERVE

Carpenter said also that the area is a marine biodiversity epicenter that represents a nation’s heritage and is a global obligation to protect.

President Gloria Arroyo formed a government task force to ensure the passage’s protection, conservation, and sustainable use. At the National Biodiversity Conference held last 2006 at Verde Island Resort in Sitio Subukin, Verde Islands, Batangas, President Arroyo announced the Verde Island Marine Corridor as a marine sanctuary and protected area.