Tubbataha 25: Photo Exhibit
Rovilson Fernandez (left) and Marc Nelson, both WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors, are assisted by Tubbataha Superintendent, Angelique Songco and Pilipinas Shell Foundation Program Manager, Marvi Trudeau in ribbon cutting during the 5 August 2013 exhibit at the Robinson’s Place, Puerto Princesa. (Photo by Giga Songco)
A photo exhibition to commemorate the 25th year of the establishment of Tubbataha as a marine protected area was held at the Robinson’s Place Activity Center yesterday. WWF-Philippines, a long-standing partner in the conservation of Tubbataha sponsored the event. The exhibit will remain at the Activity Center until 9 August 2013, after which it will be relocated to the Robinsons’ expansion area where it will stay until 12 August. The exhibition is composed 32 images of Tubbataha depicting the various wildlife that inhabit the marine park. These were captured by various photographers who won a contest sponsored by WWF-Philippines in December 2012 and will be used for future educational activities of the Tubbataha Management Office. Gracing the occasion were Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez, both national ambassadors of WWF-Philippines, who talked about their experience diving in Tubbataha and of the importance of protecting what they say should be ‘the pride of every Palaweño.’ Mr. Gregg Yan, communications officer of WWF-Philippines showed a snippet of the life of marine park rangers in Tubbataha and explained why it is necessary to construct a new station.
Five architect’s rendition of the planned ranger station is included in the exhibit. The futuristic ranger station was ‘imagineered’ by Dylan Melgazo and associates and is a great improvement from the current ranger station that now houses the different law enforcement teams for two months year-round. The new station will include a research hub and a helicopter pad.
Tubbataha was declared as a national marine park on 11 August 1988 and this year marks the 25th year of its establishment by President Corazon Aquino. A youth congress, aimed at preparing the youth to carry the torch of marine conservation into the future, will be held at 2pm on 11 August at the Cory Aquino Park Square of the Provincial Capitol. A Tribute to the architects of Tubbataha’s protection will be held on the night of 11 August at the same venue, followed by a concert by Brian Termulo. Both events are sponsored by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. The invitation is open to all.