ANGARA EYES TECH IMPROVEMENT FOR COASTAL COMMUNITIES

Senator Edgardo J. Angara and the Inter-Agency Committee on Marine Research Center (IACAMRC) in coordination with the Province of Aurora, BFAR, National Museum and Aurora State College of Technology have set up a marine research center in Aurora that aims to increase the income and productivity of coastal communities, and boost the region's fisheries sector.

"Aurora is ideal for fisheries development with its coastlines and steady rainfall., it has its natural growth potentials notwithstanding blessed with a Hawaii-like weather that results to abundant natural resources and rich collection of flora and fauna," said Angara, who hails from Baler.

The Aurora Marine Research Center (AMRC) was created through Republic Act 9441 entitled "An Act Establishing A Marine Research And Breeding Center In The Municipality Of Baler, Province Of Aurora, Appropriating Funds Therefor And For Other Purposes."

The research center will be tasked to;

• Conduct continuing research and experimentation on the culture and propagation of native marine species especially for the purpose of improving existing technology and for maximizing income potentials of the coastal community and fishing industry.

• Conduct research and develop high-value products from endemic marine and aquatic species in the Province of Aurora.

• Encourage the culture of marine species native to the province and thereby promote and attract investments through the transfer of technologies developed by the research component of AMRC.

Currently Aurora has 330 kms of coastline from Dilasag to Dingalan and has major fish species like tuna, blue marlin, octopus, lobster and even reef fishes and five (5) marine protected areas in .Mapalad-Dibaraybay Fish Santuary or Mabudo Marine Sanctuary, Ditangol Marine Sanctuary, Dibutunan Marine Protected Area, Diguisit-Puntian Marine Protected Area, Dibut Marine Protected Area (Kabunwangan-Kinapsagan Fish Sanctuary & Olol Fish Sanctuary.

This will systematize and maximize coastal community and fishery industry.

"We ought to provide equal opportunities to all Filipinos and we've got to maximize the use of our natural resources without abusive exploitation. We have got to reach the maximum utility with zero inefficiency and continue finding ways to make lives of many people progress and our country developed," said Angara.