IBA, Zambales: Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and all Municipal government of the province to step up its program to protect the marine resources of the province.

Ebdane made the call during DENR’s turn over of motorboats to different municipal government in the province for its Integrated Coastal Management Program.

Ebdane added that the protection program should be further strengthened to develop the local fishery sector and boost local economy.

So far ten motorboats have been turned over to the towns of Santa Cruz, Candelaria, Masinloc, Palauig, Botolan, Cabangan, San Felipe, San Antonio, Iba and Subic.

Ebdane added that the motorboats which came from DENR and released to the local government units is an important step in protecting the environment and help ensure sustainability of the local marine life.

“Monitoring and law enforcement are critical responses to problems of pollution, degradation and use of harmful fishing methods that put so much stress on the marine environment is crucial in protecting our marine life.” Ebdane said.

The provincial government of Zambales has been harnessing its tourism program to its vast shoreline which has white and black sand and healthy marine life which according to the governor is at par with other prime tourist spots in the country today that also clings to its clean and pristine beaches like Boracay and others alike.

The provincial government headed by Ebdane has also pledge its support to the coastal management program undertaken by DENR and other municipal government.

“I hope we would further strengthen this program until we attain a higher level of cooperation from the community in environmental protection,” He added.