OLONGAPO CITY, Zambales — Beneath the waves of Driftwood Beach in Barangay Barretto, new hope for marine life is taking shape.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) joined forces with local divers, volunteers, and officials for “Scuba-Surero” — a coastal cleanup and artificial reef deployment aimed at reviving degraded waters and rebuilding fish habitats.
The activity is part of Olongapo City’s annual “Making Riverth Possible” program, which pushes for stronger community action in protecting and rehabilitating local ecosystems.
Around 30 divers and non-diving volunteers plunged into action, removing marine debris and carefully placing artificial reef structures in designated areas to serve as new homes for fish and other marine organisms.
According to Edward Sernadilla, head of DENR-CENRO Olongapo City, the agency provided personnel, equipment, and technical expertise to ensure the reefs are properly deployed and will thrive long-term.
More than just structures, these artificial reefs are seen as lifelines — providing shelter, breeding grounds, and refuge for marine life while helping restore the balance of Zambales’ coastal ecosystem.
“By working with local government and volunteers to deploy artificial reefs and remove debris, we help rebuild fish habitat and protect livelihoods that depend on a healthy sea,” said Marife Castillo, DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer in Zambales.
For DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo, the initiative proves what strong partnerships can achieve.
“This partnership shows how government agencies, local stakeholders, and the diving community can combine resources and expertise to strengthen marine conservation. We will monitor the sites to ensure that the reefs provide long-term ecological benefits,” Pablo said.
The activity was made possible with the support of the Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc., SBMA Harbor Patrol, and the Olongapo Zambales Divers Association.
From cleanup to reef-building, it’s a clear message: when communities dive in together, the ocean bounces back.
#DENRInAction #EnvironmentForLife
The post DENR, divers team up to bring life back to Zambales seas with artificial reefs first appeared on Pampanga News Now.