By CESAR JOLITO III

More than 3,000 coastal families in Bacolod City are set to benefit from a major livelihood and environmental initiative following the deployment of 400 artificial reefs in the coastal waters of Barangay Tangub.

Mayor Greg Gasataya led the ceremonial deployment alongside the City Agriculture Office (CAO) and City Engineer’s Office, marking a significant milestone in Bacolod’s ongoing marine conservation and livelihood enhancement efforts.

“This is the city’s commitment to improving the lives of our fishing communities,” Gasataya said during the launch, emphasizing that the project targets both economic and environmental sustainability.

The artificial reefs are expected to become new marine habitats that will support fish sanctuaries and help rehabilitate overfished and degraded areas.

Five coastal barangays — Tangub, Pahanocoy, Sum-ag, Punta Taytay, and Singcang-Airport — are direct beneficiaries of the initiative.

CAO officer-in-charge Maricar Quiro said the deployment would reinforce Bacolod’s food security goals while supporting fisherfolk organizations.

“This will enhance our environmental protection and preservation efforts and contribute significantly to the city’s sustainability program,” she said, projecting visible marine gains such as increased threadfin bream (lagaw) and shrimp populations within six months.

Joaquin Malacad, chairman of the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, expressed strong support, calling the deployment a long-overdue intervention.

“This is more than just a project. It is a frontline defense for our livelihood and our seas,” he said.

Originally launched in 2017, the city’s artificial reef project is now entering an expanded phase, with an additional 300 units scheduled for deployment in the coming weeks.

The full rollout is seen as a transformative step in Bacolod’s push for resilient coastal communities and restored marine ecosystems./CJ, WDJ