Bagong Kanlungan for Marine Life

A Sustained Rotary Commitment to Marine Life Protection and Community Empowerment

For three consecutive years and counting, the Rotary Club of Marikina North has remained steadfast in its commitment to marine ecosystem protection through its flagship environmental initiative, Bagong Kanlungan for Marine Life. This project reflects Rotary’s belief that lasting environmental impact is achieved not through one-time actions, but through sustained partnerships, innovation, and community engagement.

Launched in Rotary Year 2022–2023, the project addresses the growing degradation of marine habitats by supporting the construction and underwater installation of artificial reefs using load-bearing concrete hollow blocks (CHBs). In March 2023, the club donated and deployed 300 CHBs, which were installed at Katungkulan Beach, Ternate Marine Park, Cavite. Building on its success, the project expanded in March 2024, during World Water Day, with the installation of an additional 1,000 CHBs, made possible through strong collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) 125th Squadron, Ternate Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, The Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) R4A, DENR PENRO Cavite R4A, and other environmental stakeholders.

These artificial reefs now serve as safe marine sanctuaries, encouraging coral growth, increasing fish populations, and restoring biodiversity—while also strengthening food security and coastal resilience for nearby communities.

In Year 3, the project evolved from infrastructure-building to capacity-building for sustainability. Following a needs assessment with PCGA 125th Squadron Director Commo. Noemi S. Alvaran, a critical requirement was identified: the lack of adequate scuba tanks with valves essential for underwater maintenance, reef monitoring, coastal clean-ups, coral conservation, and search and retrieval operations. In November 2024, the Rotary Club of Marikina North responded by procuring and donating five (5) complete scuba tanks with valves, ensuring the continuity and safety of ongoing marine conservation efforts.

Entering its fourth year this Rotary Year 2025–2026, the Rotary Club of Marikina North commits to sustaining and expanding Bagong Kanlungan for Marine Life through a dedicated Year 4 implementation focused on seagrass ecosystem protection and rehabilitation, including seagrass planting and enhancement, regular monitoring, and strengthened community engagement to support long-term coastal resilience and marine biodiversity.

Bagong Kanlungan for Marine Life is marked by strong Rotary engagement and participation, with dozens of Rotarians, partners, and volunteers actively involved across its three years—from planning and fundraising to onsite installations and turnover activities. This high level of participation reflects deep ownership of the project and shared responsibility for environmental stewardship.

The project’s sustained excellence has been formally recognized, having been twice awarded as Best Environmental Project at the District level in 2023 and 2025—affirming its impact, innovation, and replicability.

Today, Bagong Kanlungan for Marine Life stands as a model of long-term Rotary environmental action—where partnerships are strengthened, communities are empowered, and marine ecosystems are given a renewed chance to thrive.

Three years strong. Built by partnership. Sustained by Rotary service.

Written by: SAG Roland Cardinoza, Rotary Club of Marikina North