The conservation of coral reefs embraced the limelight in the colorful Hermosa Festival of Zamboanga City receiving a well-deserved commendation from Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC).
The SPC lauded the effort through its Goodwill Ambassador Justine Robin Brett who was invited by the city government and its tourism office to give an inspirational speech during the program.
“We in the North express our voice to the South. We recognize the importance of the ocean and that we shall continuously support all activities to protect our ocean and marine ecosystems. The devastating effects of climate change, drought ,floods, dwindling live fish catch and ocean level rise, affect the South as well as the North,” underscored by Brett who hails from Baguio City.
The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival (Celebracion de Colores) is a month-long celebration commemorating the Feast of Nuestra Senora la Virgen del Pilar (Our Lady of Pillar) and to introduce the Patroness of Asia’s Latin City.
The festival is held every October and among its highlights is the holding of a dive safari at Pink Island in Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Zamboanga.
The message of Brett emphasized SPC’s appreciation of the city government’s effort and it lauded City Mayor John Dalipe, Councilor Vino Guingona, City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian and the Zamboanga Divers for their initiative in saving the coral reefs of Zamboanga.
“The Southern Philippines is not alone. We have no more time and the time to act is now. Zamboanga City serves as our inspiration with its progressive plans to integrate ecosystem conservation, tourism and industrialisation,” concluded Brett.