Restoring the deep: How the reef dome initiative is revitalizing Dumaguete’s marine ecosystem

WHAT started as a small conservation effort has turned into a significant wave of ecological restoration. Launched in 2022 by BPI Bayan (Bayanihan Para Sa Inang Bayan), the reef dome initiative began with the deployment of 250 artificial reef domes aimed at restoring damaged marine habitats. By 2023, the project expanded to Dumaguete City, adding 750 more domes and revitalizing the local aquatic ecosystems. The momentum continued to build, leading to a major deployment of 1,000 domes in 2024.

The project’s local impact reached a turning point in November 2024. At that time, First Balfour’s environment, safety and health department was designing a nature and wellness program for its project management teams (PMTs) that aimed to link physical health with environmental care. A timely introduction to Gary Rosales, BPI Bayan’s project coordinator, revealed a shared vision. The initiative matched First Balfour’s commitment to sustainability, creating a powerful partnership between the corporate and community sectors.

The introduction quickly transformed into an active collaboration. First Balfour’s Negros PMT engaged directly in the operations, helping to produce the concrete domes, mobilizing resources and assisting in the complex underwater deployment of the structures. This partnership connected engineering skills with marine conservation science.

So far, this collaborative effort has successfully installed a total of 2,000 reef domes i Dumaguete’s waters, creating a vibrant sanctuary for marine life. However, the work is not finished; an additional 1,000 domes have already been made and are ready for deployment to further expand the underwater refuge.

As a finalist in the Environmental Sustainability Awards, the reef dome initiative shows what can be achieved when corporate responsibility meets grassroots environmental action.

Together, BPI Bayan and First Balfour are not just creating artificial structures; they are working to secure the future of our oceans, one dome at a time. (Negros Island Geothermal Complex Project)