New Ranger Station for Tubbataha
13 March 2013 – Today the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines launched a fundraising project for the construction of a new PhP20 million ranger station in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.
From left to right: A makeshift base station sheltered law enforcers patrolling in Tubbataha in 1995; a triangular-shaped station built in 1997; the current ranger station, built in 2000.
The current ranger station, built in 2000, has been battered by storms for more than ten years and has significant signs of wear. Over the years, the Styrofoam-reinforced structure has undergone a litany of repairs to prevent seawater and rain from entering and has also needed additional facilities built, such as a water cistern and septic tank. In the past few years, the upkeep of the structure has become significantly more expensive.
The plan for a new ranger station was initiated to provide the team of seven rangers – who live isolated in Tubbataha for two months at a time, on the frontline of marine conservation – with a more modern living space and up-to-date facilities. In 2012, architect Dylan Melgazo volunteered through WWF-Philippines to visit Tubbataha and assess the condition of the present ranger station and to conceptualize a design for its replacement.
The design for the new ranger station was unveiled today during the fundraising project launch in Milky Way Restaurant, Makati City and several companies have expressed an interest to get involved.
No matter how big or small your donation, Tubbataha would appreciate your help in supporting this exciting new project.
For more information on how to help please contact:
WWF-Philippines
(02) 920 7923
Tubbataha Management Office
(48) 434 5759