Re-building the Marine Sanctuary

Station
of
Bagonbanwa (New Grass)
Island
 Brief History of GDFI
GDFI (Guiuan Development Foundation Inc.) is a small local
non stock, non profit private organization working in one
of the poorest region in the Philippines, It was established
on August 1988 in Guiuan Eastern Samar, Philippines.

The Foundation primarily worked on Environmental

conservation and protection projects and also Empowering
the coastal communities through capacity building, and
sustainable livelihood assistance/trainings

Through the years GDFI have already partnered with

Government Agencies (ex. BFAR R8, DENR) and, more
often, also with academic institutions, Local and
International NGOs.

Numerous recognitions and awards have also been given

to the foundation. One of the recent recognition is from
Give2Asia a California, USA based non-profit funding
 Bagonbanwa Island
Declared as an Island Marine Sanctuary on 1989 and were
the First Marine Sanctuary in the Eastern Visayas Region.

It is located at one of the Island territories in the

Municipality of Guiuan Eastern Samar, Philippines.

Technically a mangrove island, formed with coral rubbles ;

more or less 150sqm dry land during high tide. The entire
sanctuary is 28 hectares, consisting of sea grass beds,
mangroves and coral reefs.

The station was built on 1990, donated by Angelo King

Foundation. Through the years it underwent many
renovations and repairs which is also made possible by
private individuals/groups and GDFIs savings.
 The Marine Sanctuary Station - Significance
The infrastructure served as lodging for the Island caretakers ,
which is critical to protecting the NO-Fishing grounds of the
Islands water teritory.

It also functioned as lodging facility for marine and aqua

culture research, ranging from sea cucumber, sea horse,
Oyster pearl, giant clams, etc..

Universities and Colleges in the region also brings in Students

for field trips, and thesis site for graduate students .

Fishermen training venue , eco-camp and most specially a

model for nearby marine municipal sanctuaries (which GDFI
also initiated) in the region.
 Typhoon Haiyan
Last November 14 2013, Super Typhoon Haiyan ( Category
5, the strongest typhoon in history that ever made a land
fall) struck the region

More than 6,000 people died and at least a million more or

less were rendered homeless, without food and water.

GDFI office Infrastructures including the Marine Sanctuary

were completely destroyed.
Bagonbanwa Island - Current State
The station was completely destroyed. Pier , water tank,
toilet, sleeping quarters, solar panels, etc. were rendered
useless.
 Continuing the Purpose
Eastern Samar coastal communities is highly dependent on marine
resources (fish, shells, algae, etc.) as their source of livelihood.

The Island Sanctuary serves as breeding ground for marine life, it gives
fishes and sea shells, crabs, etc.. a chance to grow, mature and spawn.

Illegal methods of fishing is rampant in the area and the sanctuary

needs to be protected 24/7 from illegal fishers.

The Island serves as a model and inspiration for the adjacent coastal
communities and municipalities. It gives community leaders and most of
all the young generation a perspective on how important it is to protect
their seas and achieve sustainable livelihood for future generations.

Being the first and a model Marine Island Sanctuary of the entire Eastern
Visayan Region, GDFI is compelled to continue the task in keeping the
Island conserved and protected.
 Thank You!!
As a small non-profit organization, GDFI environmental and
community works is highly dependent on our donors and
partners.

Thank you so much for you help!

Without partners like you we could
not have served our communities for
28 years!