In what could be the first of its kind in the world, a 65-meter-long artificial reef shaped like a rosary was dropped into the Albay Gulf off the coastal town of Sto. Domingo in Albay. The structure symbolizes the “Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary,” patroness of Sto. Domingo parish, said Martin Reynoso, executive vice president of the Junior Chamber International (JCI)-Legazpi and project officer of the Coral Genesis project initiated by the JCI. Mayor Herbie Aguas said the project manifested the people’s commitment to environmental protection and was expected to draw more tourists, particularly divers and snorkeling enthusiasts, into his town, which is known for its scenic long stretch of black-sand beaches.

Arguelles, M. S. (2013, August 8). Helping coral reefs with beads of faith. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A20.