The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently recognized ten LGUs for their Outstanding Local Government Programs, celebrating projects that demonstrate exceptional service to their communities.
Among these initiatives are Balanga, Bataan’s "Balanga Community-Based Ecotourism Zone" and Ormoc, Leyte's "Saving Kan: A Love Story in Ormoc Bay," which is a marine mammal and reptile rehabilitation center. These inspiring programs were featured in "DILG sa DZRH Breaktime program", where Balanga Mayor Francis Anthony Garcia and Ormoc Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez shared their efforts to promote environmental conservation.
Balanga’s Community-Based Ecotourism Zone
Mayor Garcia explained that the "Balanga Community-Based Ecotourism Zone" started in 2010. The area initially served as a boat docking site but was soon recognized for its bird migration. The LGU cleaned and developed the site to enhance the mangrove forest and created more attractions, such as observation decks, an information tower, a mangrove trail, and picnic areas for residents and tourists to enjoy.
"Ineentegrate po namin sa aming mga plano, sa ating 10-year solid waste management plan, comprehensive nand and water use plan and coastal resources management plan itong pag-aalaga po sa ating community-based eco-tourism zone and wet land and nature park," said Garcia.
To maintain the area, 25 barangays participate in the ABKDA Program (Ayusin, Buhayin, KaLINGAIN ang Daluyan ng Tubig Natin), which cleans water channels to prevent flooding and stops waste from reaching coastal areas.
"Yung migratory birds po ay talagang dumadayo po talaga dito and paakyat po ng paakyat yung number every year," added Garcia.
This site has now become a nursery for small fish, significantly improving the livelihood of local fishermen and fish processors with products like "Amanda's Bagoong" and "Tinapang Bangus" from Balanga have even gained international recognition.
Ormoc’s “Saving Kan” Program
Meanwhile, Ormoc Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez discussed "Saving Kan," a program dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and conserving marine mammals and reptiles in Ormoc Bay. The program began in 2017 after a turtle named “Kan” was found in distress in Ormoc. Then-Mayor Richard Gomez instructed staff to bring Kan to a private hospital for urgent care as there were no veterinary clinics nearby.
In a heartwarming moment, Mayor Gomez shared that Irish, an environmental staff member who was pregnant at the time, accompanied Kan to the hospital. When they arrived, hospital staff mistook her for the patient and quickly brought a stretcher. "Sabi ni Irish hindi po ako yung pasyente, ang pasyente ko ay yung pawikan," Gomez recounted.
Despite initial hesitation, the hospital agreed to treat Kan. Upon examination, they found that he had ingested plastic, which was causing him breathing difficulties. Kan underwent treatment for a month and 26 days before he was healthy enough to be released back into the sea.
"Saving Kan has become a love story for the community — Its really like a love story na you get to know the person as you meet them, so the way we took care of them depended on what they needed until it came to a point na naging mas structured. The Rescue, Rehab, Release and if not released magnenecropsies para malaman yung cause of death," the Mayor said.
Since then, Ormoc has devoted an entire department to marine animal rehabilitation, and the community has embraced animal welfare with greater awareness and commitment.
