The municipality of Sta. Ana, Cagayan has been identified by the Biodiversity Management Bureau as one of the six project sites for the establishment of marine stations.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said marine stations are expected to enhance ocean science, resource management and development strategies in the country.
A scientific marine research hub will be established in the municipality.
“Sta. Ana, Cagayan will be the northernmost site to serve as sentinel covering the Northern Philippine Sea marine biogeographic region,” said DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, citing the diverse flora and fauna as well as natural resources present in the region, including the Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape.
Loyzaga, citing scientific researches conducted by the University of the Philippines—Marine Science Institute (UPMSI), said corals that live in the northern parts of the Philippines are deemed resilient to climate change.
“This project is so important that is why we are working with the UPMSI to create 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. -J. Macapagal
