Tubbataha Launches 25th Anniversary Celebration
Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board members (L-R) Ms. Jeanne Tabangay of Conservation International-Philippines, Virginia Catain of the PCSD, Tubbataha Protected Area Superintendent Angelique Songco, Pastor Jehu Cayaon of Tambuli te mga Kagayanon and Marivel Dygico of World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines during the anniversary press launch held on December 13, 2012 at Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY – The Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board (TPAMB) launched the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in a press conference held on 13 December 2012 at the Empire Suites Hotel, Puerto Princesa City. The yearlong celebration in 2013 will commemorate the declaration of Tubbataha Reefs as the first national marine park through Presidential Proclamation 306 issued by then President Corazon Aquino in 11 August 1988. The declaration put Tubbataha under strict protection.
TPAMB representatives Ms. Virginia Catain of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) and Commodore Joseph Rostum Peña of the Naval Forces West, Philippine Navy unveiled the 25th anniversary logo for the celebration with the theme: “Riding the Waves of Change”. Tubbataha Protected Area Superintendent Angelique Songco explained the symbolisms embedded in the logo: Tubbataha’s resilience to challenges through time was the function of the collective efforts of many agencies and organizations. The logo is rendered in varying shades of blue representing the shades of the ocean. A wave of marine life is depicted with a single human form flowing with the other creatures to portray the interconnectedness of all forms of life.
The various events rolled out for the celebration in 2013 include:
| January | Judging of the Tubbataha audio visual presentation with the theme It’s More Fun in the Philippines |
| February | Ramsar Wetland Day Exhibit (Feb 2)
Dream Ranger Station Project Launch Tubbataha Photo Contest (Dec 2012 to Mar 15 2013) Traveling Exhibit (Apr to Dec 2013 |
| April | Launch of the Cebu Pacific – Tubbataha Limited Edition Tote Bag |
| May | UNESCO World Heritage Centre visit to Tubbataha |
| June | Coral Triangle Day Mural Painting with AG Saño |
| August | Tubbataha 25th Anniversary Grand Celebration (August 11) Birds of Tubbataha Exhibit by BenCab |
| September | Anniversary and town fiesta celebration with Cagayancillo |
| November | WWF-Phil Partners’ Night Spotlight on Tubbataha (2nd week) |
A Manila-based advertising company is preparing an art installation for Tubbataha, which will be installed in one of the conspicuous places in Manila. The schedule is yet to be announced.
To learn more about these events, please email the Tubbataha Management Office at tmo@ovalteam.com .