Filipino Congressman, Neurologist Build Marine Habitat Made from Sculptures
Pinto Underwater Museum
Angelo Barba, a member of the Philippines' House of Representatives is set to embark on a monumental project - to lead a sculpture submersion for marine ecosystem regeneration.
The idea came from neurologist Joven Cuanang and the underwater museum that the two men will be putting up in May will be installed right in the waters of one of their favourite local spots.
With over 20 art pieces weighing between 400 kilograms to over a tonne, the submersion operations will likely be difficult but the Office of Congressman Barba has made sure that everything is in place.
The Coast Guard, the Navy, and the Air Force will be at the submersion sites of Poblacion and Pangil on May 1, 2023. According to the Congressional Office, the Navy will be lifting the sculptures from the bay area to the sea. Tactical divers from the Coast Guard will be guiding the sculptures once they reach the water and put them on floating devices until they are ready to be fully submerged.
The Philippine Marines will also be in the area, based on the latest reports, and they will be at the ready to provide assistance to the group if needed.
The marine ecosystems regeneration project is the brainchild of Dr. Joven Cuanang, a neurologist and art patron. During an interview with Dr. Cuanang on a local television channel, he said in the vernacular, that "fish is the main source of protein for many Filipinos". Concerned about the health of children in Currimao, the neurologist sprung into action.
Angelo Marcos Barba, on the other hand, always had a soft spot for the environment. Filing House Bills that range from wildlife conservation to land use sustainability and agricultural land preservation, Barba has proven to be one of Ilocos Norte's most silent achievers.
When Dr. Cuanang finally got most of the sculptures together, he contacted the Office of the Congressman in his district to discuss the most difficult part of the project. Angelo Marcos Barba immediately deployed experts to take care of all of the permits and clearances.
Mr. Barba's post on his official page on social networking site Facebook says that the artworks are "now on display" at Sitio Remedios. These beautiful pieces reportedly travelled all the way from the country's capital of Manila while others had to be moved by sea and then by land just to reach the northern province.
Kathrine Dacanay Lagustan, a supplies management expert, managed the logistics for the sculptures to reach Currimao on behalf of Pinto Art Museum and Dr. Cuanang, while the Office of Congressman Barba gathered all concerned agencies in one place to ensure proper planning.
There are many people involved in this monumental project, according to the Second Congressional District's communications team. This includes not only the members of the Philippine military but men and women with various specialisations. Marine biologists from the Mariano Marcos State University will be assessing the installation area before the submersion operations on May 1st. The team added that the Philippine Coast Guard will be with the marine biologists every step of the way.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with the help of the Bureau of Fisheries and the mayor of Currimao Edward Quilala, pinpointed the areas where the sculptures will be installed. Mr. Quilala will also be hosting the submersion event as it is scheduled on Currimao's most important celebration - the Dinaklisan Festival.
True Blue Ilocano Cooperation
The Philippine Ports Authority in Northern Luzon will also play a crucial role in the submersion ops as rotary air assets from the Air Force and the Navy will be using the seaport as a fuel station on May 1st, 2023.
"We are very thankful to the Philippine Ports Authority for their kindness," wrote Ralph Atienza Mckenzie in an email. Mckenzie is a special operations expert who is helping out in the submersion operations. He expressed that the help of the Navy, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard is "truly appreciated".
"We are also glad that the Marines will be on site on May 1 and we have been informed that medical personnel from the Black Nazarene Hospital will be there as well thanks to Dr. Mary Jane Noble."
A women's group from the Second District is also helping out the Municipality of Currimao.
A History of Dynamite Fishing
Indo Inquirer says that the town of Currimao has dealt with dynamite fishing in its waters for decades and it resulted in the destruction of the area's corals. A report from the Philippine Information Agency in 2010 said that the Philippine Coast Guard intensified its monitoring of Ilocos Norte's coastal towns that year to prevent the use of dynamite explosives.
About the Creator
Charles W.B. Dawson
Charles W.B. Dawson is a London native who loves the environment.
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