ROXAS City – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has discovered more than 160 hectares of seagrass, locally known as lusay, during a recent diving activity at Tucad Reef in the municipality of Pilar, Capiz.
The activity was conducted as part of the ongoing Protected Area Suitability Assessment (PASA), a crucial step in evaluating the reef’s potential inclusion in the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).
Dr. Ernesto Federiso, officer-in-charge of DENR Capiz, shared the findings during the “Kapihan” program organized by the Capiz Information Center of the Philippine Information Agency. He emphasized the significance of the discovery, describing Tucad Reef as one of the largest known seagrass areas in the country.
According to Federiso, the data collected from the diving activity will be instrumental in completing the PASA and supporting a formal recommendation to designate Tucad Reef as a protected area under NIPAS.
Seagrasses play a vital role in the marine ecosystem, serving as sediment stabilizers, sources of food, and breeding grounds for various marine species.
In line with Environment Month, DENR Capiz also launched a series of activities in Pilar on June 1 to promote environmental awareness and conservation. These included a tree planting activity, coastal cleanup, an eco-thrill biking competition, and a jamming session celebrating the province’s natural resources.
Federiso said the agency plans to submit a formal request for funding and protection measures for Tucad Reef, aiming to safeguard its ecological importance for future generations. (PIA)
