AURORA MARINE INSTITUTE SET TO LEAD
CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN PHL

Senator Edgardo J. Angara reminds the public that we should always "take care of our nation's natural resources", especially now, as the world is hit by one catastrophe after another.

Angara zeroed in on a particularly rich resource in the Philippines--the thousands of miles of coastlines framing the abundant ecosystems in the sea.

"The Philippine waters are globally recognized as centers of marine biodiversity. The location of the country as well as its geographic characteristics--that is, being an archipelago--ensures an abundance of aquatic life.

To maximize the potential of such a rich marine ecosystem, we must study and try to understand how it works--this is a great opportunity to learn about our country's untapped wealth," explained Angara.

Angara recently filed Senate Bill 2728, seeking to establish the Aurora Marine Research and Development Institute (AMRDI). This bill amends Republic Act 9441 to more clearly define the scope and mandate of the AMRDI.

According to the bill, the AMRDI would also be tasked to create a database containing valuable data on the biodiversity, habitat, abundance, and overall status of the province's marine resources.

"Through the AMRDI, the province of Aurora will be instrumental in studying, documenting and ultimately, protecting the country's aquatic wealth," said Angara.

Under the provisions of S.B. 2728, the University of the Philippines Marine Science institute will supervise the AMRDI, while the Aurora State College of Technology will be in charge of locally implementing the academic and technical aspects of the bill.

"Our country's natural resources are the cornerstones of our progress. It is only fitting that we do all that we can to protect and conserve them," he asserted.