Trifter

Nowadays it is difficult to see still viable reefs in many parts of the world, especially in areas where many people reside. Pambato Reef is an exception.

Pambato Reef, a small patch of reef near the jumpoff point in Honda Bay, was recently “discovered” by a fisherman whose hook got entangled in the reefs. He dived and attempted to remove the hook from entanglement. While doing so, he was surprised to see a wonderful world of virtually untouched reef in a frequently travelled area in Honda Bay. Boats come and go through the spot but nobody thought there are still intact reefs underneath. Many reefs in the bay had undergone exploitative uses before and most places have damaged reefs due to cyanide and dynamite fishing. 

Diverse species of corals still thrive in Pambato Reef.

A member of the association of fishermen who banded together to serve the transportation needs of tourists on an island hopping venture in the bay, the fisherman informed his friends. Word eventually reached the leader of the group and they thought it will be an exciting spot to offer tourists while touring them around the islands in the bay. They came up with the idea of making the place one of the stopovers to allow tourists to do some snorkeling and get to see the corals.

Snorkelers enjoy viewing fishes in Pambato Reef.

With assistance from the ABS-CBN’s program on the environment, the “Dalub-Karagatan” project came into being. Dalub-Karagatan means “School in the Seas” where people get to learn about the coral ecosystem. A floating schoolhouse with a sea-turtle shaped canopy was built and anchored at the site. Now, tourists enjoy the added services on their island hopping spree.

Dalub-Karagatan or School in the Seas also serve as resting area for snorkelers.

Presumably, the reef was preserved due to the presence of Bantay Dagat (Baywatch) patrol anchored in Lu-Li island nearby. Besides, illegal fishers were warded off from doing undesirable fishing activities in the area because of the busy route.