Former illegal fishers lead eco-tourism in Masbate marine sanctuary

FISHERFOLK WHO used to engage in illegal methods are now at the forefront of eco-tourism operations at a marine sanctuary in Masbate City. The Samahang Mangingisda sa Puro-Sinalikway, Inc.) (SAMAPUSI), a group of fishing community residents, provide organized services such as boat rental, kayaking, scuba diving gear rental, snorkeling, reef guiding, and island-hopping at the Buntod Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar. Buntod, one of the city’s two marine protected areas (MPA), covers 20 hectares (ha) of strictly-protected zone, and a 100-ha buffer zone. It has corals, seagrass beds, mangroves, and various species such as helmet shells, locally known as budyong. The MPA is co-managed by SAMAPUSI, the Masbate City government, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region V (Bicol).