Apo Island in Dauin and all marine sanctuaries in the municipality were declared as five-star diving sites, a survey conducted by a foreign organization showed, Mayor Rodrigo Alanano said.

In the survey, Apo Island in Dauin, with more than 550 species recorded the highest number of marine species in the whole world. Australia came in second, Alanano said. Alanano's announcement came in the wake of moves by the mayor's office to strictly enforce regulations on applications for berthing. Applications for fishing in the seawaters of Dauin have also been rejected.

Alanano denied the permit application of a Cebu-based dive boat operator to conduct fishing activities in the municipality.

He said even Manila beach resorts are already applying for mooring buoys in the municipality, which is allowed under Dauin's existing ordinance. Beach resorts in Dauin are allowed to install their respective mooring buoys for visiting dive boats. Alanano made it clear that Dauin is not only gearing for tourism promotion but for the protection and preservation of its marine habitat so the people are assured of their livelihood.

In 2001, two sanctuaries were established by Silliman University in the coastal barangays of Lipayo and Apo Island. Currently, there are 10 sanctuaries. The revived Lipayo sanctuary is earning approximately P200,000 from diving fees and users' fees, Alanano said.*JG

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