Frogmen from the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NAVFORWEM) Command completed laying out the first 2 units of artificial coral reef at the Great Sta. Cruz Island (GSCI) as part of its efforts to help protect the natural resources aside from ensuring the security in this part of the country.
The concrete artificial coral reef is composed of cemented slabs formed into a huge pyramid. It was designed by the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Great and Little Sta. Cruz Island composed of PAMU, ZCSMST, DENR and the City Agriculture Office.
The same was constructed through the efforts and expertise of the 2nd Naval Mobile Construction Battalion and Naval Installation and Facilities – Western Mindanao.
A total of 10 artificial coral reefs will be laid out in the GSCI which is famous for its pink sand and touted as one of the 21 best beaches in the world by the National Geographic in 2017.
Recall that a laying out ceremony was held last Sept. 25, 2020 at the GSCI as part of the pre-celebration of the 24th Anniversary of NAVFORWEM in partnership with the Western Mindanao Command (WMC) and the City Government of Zamboanga.
Mayor Beng Climaco graced the activity with NAVFORWEM Commander Rear Admiral Erick A Kagaoan PN and Brigadier General Antonio G. Nafarrete, Deputy Commander for Administration of the Western Mindanao Command. (Photo courtesy of NAVFORWEM)