Hundred Islands marine museum opened
Date:
September 30, 2009
To showcase the Hundred Island’s underwater biodiversity, a marine museum was established at Lucap wharf, the jump off point to the world famous marine park here.
Mayor Hernani A. Braganza, Vice Mayor Teofilo G. Humilde Jr. and members of the city council including Board Member Danilo B. Dizon opened the said mini museum for public viewing yesterday.
The event was one of the highlights of the celebration of the 4th anniversary of turn-over of the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) from the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) to the city government of Alaminos.
Alaminos is actually celebrating three occasions yesterday, namely, the international coastal clean-up day, a press conference on the Alaminos Airport Dev’t. Project and inauguration of said museum.
Putting up a marine museum beneath the wharf was the brainchild of Batch ’77 of the Alaminos National High School, according to Engr. Ismael Najera, one of the members of the said class.
“It all started with a dream to revive the once lost museum during our childhood days,” said Najera, also the city general services officer.
“And with the donations coming from our batchmates and the approval of our beloved mayor, it came to reality last January this year,” he added.
Among those who help establish the marine museum and refurbished the whole wharf were Dr. Edsel Caragan, Naomi Manzano Guerrero, Jenilyn Basa Corpuz and Severina Laya Calderon.
Visitors can enjoy the museum as different species of corrals and preserved fish are on display.
‘These are the same species that we could actually find thriving and continue to multiply in our city’s territorial waters,” said Najera.
“And we owe it to the Braganza administration for declaring an all out-war against illegal fishing in 2005,” he stressed.
Braganza, for his part, thanked the members of Batch ’77 for their laudable initiative.
“This is a wonderful gift to our city and guests,” he said citing that the museum will be another major attraction in the city next to the eco-parks, colorful festivals and historical landmarks.
“With this marine museum, local and foreign tourists alike could appreciate the marine life at the Hundred Islands,” he added.
“They will also learn how the people of Alaminos treasure and will do everything to preserve and protect this unique gift of God to the province and to mankind.”
Braganza agreed that what is displayed inside the museum is just a fraction of the number of marine species that could actually be seen in the Hundred Islands.
He then encouraged all the city’s guest as well as his citymates to go diving and snorkeling at the major dive sites and corrals and giant clam gardens.
For nothing really beats the experience of exploring the real beauty of the underwater life and various rock formations at the Hundred Islands. (CIO)
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