An old school bus was submerged off Barangay Baring on Olango Island in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, on Oct. 17 to serve as an artificial coral reef and potential habitat for marine life.
The project was led by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the Coastal Resource Management Office, in partnership with the Marine Rescue Unit of the Bureau of Fire Protection’s Lapu-Lapu City Fire District.
According to the Lapu-Lapu City Public Information Office, preparations took nearly two months. These included transporting the bus from mainland Lapu-Lapu to Olango Island, removing its engine and cleaning out hazardous materials to ensure it was safe for marine life.
The initiative aims to help support marine biodiversity and coral growth while providing a potential new diving site for people interested in underwater activities.
The Bureau of Fire Protection said the project demonstrated cooperation among government agencies in protecting marine resources, preserving coastal areas and promoting sustainable tourism.
The bus was submerged after undergoing preparations intended to reduce potential risks to the surrounding marine environment.
Officials expect the structure to serve as a possible habitat for marine organisms while adding another destination for diving enthusiasts in the area.
The project forms part of efforts involving local environmental and coastal resource management offices and the city’s fire district.
Further information about the reef’s development and its impact on marine life was not included in the available report.
