October 14, 2017

DR. JUAN D. ALBALADEJO

Regional Director
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Regional Office for CARAGA Region
Masao Aquaculture Center,
Brgy. Masao, Butuan City,
8600, Agusan del Norte

Dear Dr. Albaladejo,

We the natives of Barangay Sudlon, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, home the Enchanting Sohoton
Cove, recognized the importance of protecting the environment not only for ourselves but more
specially for our childrens future.

Living in the part of Bucas Grande Island where the number 1 Eco-tourism destination in CARAGA
is found and where income is greatly dependent upon our natural resources (land, water and
other resources) and eco-tourism industry, we as one community decided to find ways and
activities that would support the financial needs of our families but at the same time would
protect and preserve the environment. Thus, the organization of Strengthened Association of
Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) of Sohoton.

SAVE Sohoton has almost __________ members, half of us are engaged in tour guiding and tour
operation while the other half are fishermen who unfortunately do not have their own fishing
vessels due to financial restraints. This is the very reason why we are extending efforts in finding
persons or agencies that would help us address this concern and we sincerely believe that you
are one of them. Thus, we are humbly requesting your good office to allocate fishing boats for
the SAVE Sohoton members. Rest assured that these boats will be used in legal fishing and as
well as in monitoring illegal fishing activities and protecting the fisheries resources of our island
town.

It is sincerely hoped that this request would merit your positive response as the said boats will
ultimately redound to the benefit of our respective families and community.

Thank you and more power.

Very truly yours,

EDGARDO B. JUALO
President
SAVE SOHOTON
October 14, 2017

DR. JUAN D. ALBALADEJO

Regional Director
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Regional Office for CARAGA Region
Masao Aquaculture Center,
Brgy. Masao, Butuan City,
8600, Agusan del Norte

Dear Dr. Albaladejo,

The undersigned is the President of a DOLE registered association named Sohoton Environmental
Protectors Association (SOEPA) of Barangay Sudlon, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, home the
Enchanting Sohoton Cove. Our organization advocates that economic growth can complement
environmental conservation and protection.

Our island of Bucas Grande is recognized as the number 1 Ecotourism destination in CARAGA
region due to its lush forest, wonderful islets, magnificent rock formations, rocky coves, white
beaches, coral reefs and diverse range of flora and fauna. Thus, tourism plays a great source of
livelihood among our people. However, before the booming of the tourism industry, farming and
fishing have sustained the daily needs of our families. However, it is a sad truth that some of our
members fishing boats are already dilapidated. As much as we would like to help them build new
ones we do not have the funds. Thus, we earnestly request from your good office fishing boats
for our fishermen for them to continue to provide for their families.

It is our ultimate hope that this request be given a favorable response for this shall certainly
redound to the greater benefit of our members and of our community as well.

Thank you. God bless!

Very truly yours,

WELLIAM T. PALEN
President
SOEPA