The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Thursday announced building one of six proposed marine stations in Sta. Ana, Cagayan to help boost ocean science, and resource management and development in the country.
Against this background, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga appealed for the support of the local government of Santa Ana and other stakeholders to protect and help preserve the coastal and marine resources as a scientific marine research hub will be established in the municipality.
“Sta Ana, Cagayan will be the northernmost site serving as sentinel covering the Northern Philippine Sea marine biogeographic region,” Loyzaga said. She noted the diverse flora and fauna and other natural resources present in the region, including the Palaui Island protected land and seascape.
Loyzaga, citing scientific researches conducted by the University of the Philippines–Marine Science Institute (UPMSI), also said that corals in the northern parts of the Philippines are deemed resilient to climate change.
“This project is important. That is why we are working with the UPMSI to undertake further studies in collaboration with the community and we would like this to be a center of education so that we know why we need to protect the area,” Loyzaga said.
