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Nature once inspired poets, architects, painters and philosophers
with a sense of awe and ecstasy. Today, with the degradation of our
environment, creativity is being used towards conservation action.
Eufracio Pagalan Maratas Jr., Sangguniang Bayan
member in Pilar Cebu, finished Architecture at the University of San
Carlos and then also studied Agricultural Chemistry at University of
the Philippines Los Baños. He says, “I am interested in all
aspects of the environment, both man-made [architecture] and natural
[marine and terrestrial].”
He is currently serving as the chairman of
various environmental related committees and groups in Pilar, Cebu:
the Pilar Municipal Marine Park Management Board, Municipal
Integrated Watershed Management Project Technical Working Group, and
the Environment committee of the Sangguniang Bayan of the said
municipality. The types of projects he leads deal with coastal
resource management, rainforestation and biodiversity conservation,
leadership organizing and legislation for the environment.
Although he is dedicated to his work, he still
finds time to unwind: “If I’m not working on things related to
my being a councilor or on our family business, which takes most of
my time, I mountain bike, go to the beach, travel, jog or hike, sing
karaoke with friends over beer and kinilaw, etc. I learned to scuba
dive 10 years ago but have not done much of that lately.”
His involvement as a member in Haribon
Foundation’s activities has given him an opportunity to gain and
share knowledge about nature conservation. In the past year, he
joined the forum on “Engaging the Youth in Biodiversity
Conservation” held in Cebu, as well as the stakeholders’ forum
for the United Nations Development Programme-Global Environment
Facility Baseline Study for Project Prioritization in the Cebu
Landscapes and Seascapes study of Dr. Ruth Guzman.
As a proud Haribon member, his dream for the
Philippine environment is:
“Progression in conservation efforts for the
sustainable benefit of all Filipinos.”
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