By Rhea Grace A. La Plana
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Evaluators from Marine Support Network (MSN) represented by
Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Fishery Officer Ms. Lindley L. Herrera, together
with Dr. Tony Llano from the University of San Carlos, Cebu City, conducted
Site and Documents Evaluation in Buluan Island here recently.
MSN,
convenor of the said nationwide search is geared towards promoting proper
coastal management. Through its representatives, MSN will evaluate the best
marine sanctuary that truly depicts how the wonders of nature are conserved.
Ipil
town Mayor Eldwin M. Alibutdan continues to endorse Ipil PrideCampaign, a
program of LGU-Ipil that has been launched to promote the protection and
management of Buluan Island Marine Sanctuary.
Many
years ago, Buluan Island connotes fear in the minds ofIpilenos, as the island
was once an escape route of the Abbu Sayyaf rebel group. Located quite a
distance from Ipil town with only few folks living thereat, progress in the
island was quite slow.
Taking
a glimpse of Buluan Island then and now, development has gone far better and
fast.Ipil Pride Campaignhas done so much to turn the once feared island into a
picturesque haven.
Buluan
Island features white sand beaches and clear blue waters. It boasts of wonderful
coral reefs and gifts of nature which are well-preserved.Now, it has turned
into an exciting local tourist destination in the province. Many locals and
travellers from different cities go to Buluan for a weekend getaway.
The
island is accessible by boat in just 30 minutes at a relatively affordable
fare. Regular boat trips are available daily. Frequent island hoppers are
increasing in the past few months.
