Panabo Pride Campaign: A Call to Protect Cagangohan Fish Sanctuary

“Sa sulod pasanayon, sa gawas bingwiton.” These were the words that echoed all around Panabo City during the grand launching of Panabo City Pride Campaign last November 27, 2013 at Cagangohan Barangay Hall, Cagangohan, Panabo City.

During the launching, Mr. Ezekiel Alforque, Senior Citizen President, was applauded when he emotionally recalled the abundance of seas during his younger years. He became more emotional as he flashbacked on how people ignored the Cagangohan Coastal Resources. That’s why he went down the stage with this request, “Pabalikon ta ang kaisdaonon sa atong dagat. Lantawon nato ang ugma”(Let’s regain the abundance of fishes to our seas. Let’s prepare for our future). This was supported by the City Administrator Ramon Sawan when he urged the fisherfolks to let go the small fishes. He added that, following the laws, the ordinances will eventually lead to the improvement of the quality of life.

The highlights of the launching were the recognition of registered fishers of Panabo City, the recitation of Fisher’s Creed by the target audience of the campaign, the fishers, the signing at the commitment wall of the fishers and community to amplify their support to the campaign, and finally, the distribution of 100 hooks and lines to 100 lucky fishers.

The presence of mascots and performers added to the festivity of the event. The crowd was moved out from their seats when the IFT Cheerdancers showcased their breathtaking moves as they introduced to the crowd, the ambassadress of the campaign, Danggi, the Danggit. The G.L. Dondoy Elementary School Drum and Bugle Corp. awed the audience with their twirl exhibitions while the DNSC Dance Troupe offered a very entertaining dance moves. The angelic voices of DNSC Chorale sung the invocation and the national anthem during the event.

What is Panabo City Pride Campaign?

The Panabo City Pride Campaign advocates fishing in the right place and using the right gear by inspiring fishers and community to protect and manage the Cagangohan Fish Sanctuary. The sanctuary is an area set aside by the Local Government Unit of Panabo City as breeding place and refuge of fish and marine organisms in the area.

The Panabo City Pride Campaign is the joint project of LGU-Panabo City, Davao del Norte State College and RARE. RARE is an international conservation organization that supports almost 300 Pride Campaigns in 50 countries all over the world including the Philippines for the purpose of bringing people and nature to thrive harmoniously.

Goals of Panabo City Pride Campaign

            The campaign intends to increase fish populations and other marine resources. To attain these, current threats must be reduced by the following right behaviors of the fishers:

1.    Fishing outside the Cagangohan Fish Sanctuary Core Zone; and

2.    Fishing using hook and line in the Cagangohan Fish Sanctuary Buffer Zone.

Sir Raquelito Mancao from RARE Philippines with the CF Girley Gumanao
throws the first question to the fisher during the Q&A Game.

The campaign hopes to strengthen the fishery programs of the local government particularly the CO 03-03 ug CO 14-12 which set the rules and regulations of the Cagangohan Fish Sanctuary. This will be more possible if the fishers know, believe and talk about the location, rules, regulations and benefits of the sanctuary as complemented with proper management and enforcement.

If this campaign will be totally supported by the community, Cagangohan Fish Sanctuary would really be the haven of marine life. They will thrive harmoniously and abundantly. And soon, provide sustainable living to fishers and to the Panaboans in general.