Coral reefs in Calatagan, Batangas, are turning white due to coral bleaching, a condition linked to global warming and climate change, according to local environmental groups.

This condition occurs when coral polyps, the organisms responsible for the vibrant colors of corals, weaken due to continuous exposure to warm water.

"Halimbawa, namumuti sila, ibig sabihin, nanghihina ang mga polyps. 'Yung polyps ay isang organismo na nasa corals na nagbibigay ng iba't ibang kulay," Jessie Fronda Delos Reyes, a coral bleaching watcher, said.

"Once hindi siya nagbibigay ng iba't-ibang kulay, ang corals ay super stressed because of continuous warm water," Delos Reyes added.

The environmental group in Batangas first noticed massive coral bleaching in 2017.

However, the reefs have shown signs of recovery in 2024, although the process remains slow.

This condition is likened to a human's immune system weakening, making the corals more vulnerable.

"Ang tawag namin d'yan, ang corals nilalagnat din. May mga coral species na hindi sila tinatamaan," Delos Reyes said.

"Pero rampant 'yan sa mahihinang klase ng corals like Acropora, Montipora. 'Yan 'yung hindi masyadong malakas 'yung resistensya nila," Delos Reyes added.

MABINI SITUATION

The same bleaching phenomenon has been observed in Barangay San Jose, Mabini, Batangas.

Coral bleaching watchers in the area use coral charts to monitor the condition of the reefs, which are slowly recovering from the damage.

CALL FOR PROTECTION

Environmental advocates stress the importance of protecting the coral reefs, as their destruction would leave many fish species without a habitat.

"Dapat din 'yung mga isda na indicators in that species hindi dapat sila hinuhuli like parrot fish, angel fish," Delos Reyes said.

"Ang kaso, si parrot fish na nagbibigay ng magandang buhangin sa ating baybayin eh 'yun naman ang hinuhuli ng community," Delos Reyes added.