Striking a balance between a sustainable environment and a vibrant economy has always been a tough act to follow. And yet, this has been one of the mission of City Mayor John Geesnell “BABA” Yap. Mayor Yap calls out a united support from the Tagbilaranons to drumbeat the Month of the Ocean with its theme “Biodiversity for Food SeaCUREity”.

The City Mayor underscores its relevance and importance, putting emphasis on our responsibility to revitalize our collaborative conservation efforts. He recognizes the valuable contributions of the Department of Agriculture (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the Philippine National Police with its allied forces.

The City Mayor who has been active in his share of protecting the coastal resources of Tagbilaran City has been in the forefront in the protection of Mabaw Reef. In grateful partnership with RARE and other non-governmental organizations which have created sustained awareness in reef protection, the City Government has provided a speed boat to closely monitor the activities within the reef, fish wardens were also posted in the area 24/7 to regularly patrol the marine protected sanctuary from illegal fishing. Mayor Yap also strengthened the Mabaw Reef Management Committee through the allocation of funds.

In fact, Mayor Yap has always singled out Mabaw Reef as one of the potential tourist sites in the city, thus intensifying his commitment to protect and preserve the reef’s pristine beauty.

The City Mayor encourages everyone to join hands in safeguarding and promoting the sustainable use of our coastal and marine resources, “Kay diha sa pagtinabangay ug panaghi-usa, ako naglaum nga ato pa nga maluwas ang atong mga kadagatan”.