On the other hand, speaking of the grandeur that is Tubbataha, a long-standing ambassador of WWF, Rovilson Fernandez shared that with his first dive trip, he is all “Hands down, the best dive trip!”. “In other dive sites you can count jacks in one hand or two hands maybe, but in Tubbataha you will see schools and shoals of fish!”. “You can expect to see the unexpected!” Told in exclamation.
by Tet Lara
(1,2,3,4… SCHOOL of jacks!!!)
Hearing only astounding words for Tubbataha, the ambassador didn’t fail to make a short reference to the rangers. Aside from Nemo and friends, there exist the Tubbataha Park Rangers, who look after one of the country’s Great Reefs. Guardians who are pulled by their passion to put their own lives in danger against poachers. But, even without the mention of illegal fishing or exploitation of habitants, these rangers have been battling against waves as large as houses. With minimal support and limited supplies, they continue to survive in a ten-year-old ranger station which needs continuous maintenance to prevent seawater and rain from entering. Understanding all of these, it’s enough to realize why Rovilson said, “The rangers are just phenomenal.”
Special thanks to Mr. Gregg Yan (right), Communications & Media Manager of WWF-Philippines for the Tubbataha’s Park Rangers photos
So, when in Manila, let me leave you with this question, “If we lose Nemo, then, how else are we going to find Dory?” If we lose what we already have because of neglect, considering we have the resource to keep it, then how else can we secure a future that we can only imagine?
by Gregg Yan
(if i keep you, would you keep me..?)
For more information on how to help please contact:
WWF-Philippines kkp@wwf.org.ph
(02) 920 7923
Tubbataha Management Office
tmo@tubbatahareef.org
(48) 434 5759
Nemo and Friends’ Survival In The Reefs Of TUBBATAHA
