Misamis Oriental town bags “cleanest coastline” award
IT TAKES A VILLAGE to clean a beach. The town of Laguindingan in Misamis Oriental has been recognized for having the cleanest coastline in the country.
It bested almost a thousand cities and towns nationwide for the Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) awards.
The annual contest was initiated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) with the aim of promoting fisheries protection and conservation in the country. MMK also hopes to encourage stakeholder engagement towards protecting and conserving natural resources.
The award was presented by President Rodrigo Duterte and Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol to the municipal and provincial officials in Malacañang last week.
According to BFAR, Laguindingan won the award due to its mangrove plantations, the absence of illegal fishing within the town, and the strict observance of closed fishing season every year.
Laguindingan Mayor Diosdado Obsioma credited the residents of barangays Mauswagon, Moog, and Tubajon for their consistent cooperation in maintaining the mangroves in their respective communities.
He pointed out that mangroves are reliable sequesters of carbon pollutants in coastal areas.
Laguindingan beat four other finalists from across the country, namely Calatagan, Batangas; Claveria, Cagayan; Cortes, Surigao del Sur; and Palompan, Leyte.
via Philippine News Agency / Mark Francisco
