Last August 2010, the Batangas Coastal Resource Management Foundation (BCRMF) and the Malampaya Foundation sponsored Reef Check Eco-Diver training for 14 members of the Batangas Community Divers. The trainees came from 6 barangays in Batangas City, Philippines.
During the 4-day training, the participants learned about indicator species tracked by Reef Check, and they surveyed coral reefs around Matoko Point. The team observed a high incidence of coral bleaching. The scuba diving in the “center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity” was outstanding: clear water, high coral cover, diverse species of fish and invertebrates and strong currents.
The BCRMF Team ready to do reef surveys in Batangas City.
The trainees were: Noel Mendoza (Team Leader), Francisco Balid, Benjie Berania, Joebranz Branzuela, Jose Edwin Caseda, Arturo Escandor, Jerick Fajardo, Casimero Flores, Jr., Kim Garcia, Jaime Guerra, Bryan Mendoza, Carlo Mendoza, Lito Pacaul and Aurelio Villaluna III.
