FILE PHOTO: The Tubbataha Reef National Park in Palawan is one of the country’s protected areas. It saw a drastic drop in human activity and tourism earnings because of the pandemic, but its marine life got a chance to flourish. —GREGG YAN/CONTRIBUTOR
MANILA, Philippines — The government has installed radios at the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan to stop poaching in the heritage site known for pristine coral reef and rich marine resources.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Thursday the equipment installed were a very high frequency (VHF) radio and an Icom M506.
The two radios can conduct radio challenges against watercraft that illegally enter the country’s territory, respond to emergencies, enhance maritime domain awareness, and expand the coverage of VHF Channel 16 in communicating with arriving and transiting vessels, according to the PCG.
To date, 30 VHF radios are positioned in different PCG stations, sub-stations, and clearing outposts in Palawan province – specifically in Busuanga, Cuyo, Cagayancillo, Balabac, Pag-asa Island, Parola Island, and Panata Island.
The Philippine Coast Guard District Palawan installs a VHF radio and Icom M506 radio at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan on September 20, 2022. Courtesy: Philippine Coast Guard FB page
The Philippines’ Tubbataha Reefs National Park site was included on the World Heritage List in 1993. It is a virgin coral reef with two coral islands, expansive lagoons, and a 100-meter perpendicular wall – all supporting a varied marine population.
READ: How Tubbataha’s park rangers didn’t miss a beat during COVID
Numerous hundred fish species, 46 different types of coral, and 11 species of cetaceans find sanctuary in the seas surrounding the atolls.
Seven different kinds of seabirds, as well as the critically endangered hawksbill and green turtles, have nesting grounds on the park’s property. — Kristelle Razon, trainee
The Philippine Coast Guard District Palawan installs a VHF radio and Icom M506 radio at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan on September 20, 2022. Courtesy: Philippine Coast Guard FB page
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