GLAN, Sarangani (May 25, 2022) – Ernest Gino (left), 54, and his daughter Gicel Ceballos, 34, join the simultaneous crown of thorns (COT) collection activity on May 25 at Barangay Lago. In a report released by the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist, the infestation of the COTs along the coastal areas of the province began in November 2021 that caused a great number of mortality and widespread damage to the coral reefs in Sarangani Bay. Aside from Gino and Ceballos, some 20 residents of the said barangay also joined the event whose source of living depends on fishing. The COT collection was one of the highlight activities of this year’s Sarangani Bay Festival. According to April Marjorie Rudes, provincial tourism officer, this year’s Sarbay Fest will focus more on environmental-related activities “since we are still facing the threat of the pandemic.” The COT (Acanthaster planci) is a large starfish that preys upon hard, or stony, coral polyps. Covered in long poisonous spines, they range in color from purplish-blue to reddish-grey and green. The COT collection was done in the coastal barangays of Baliton, Batulaki, Big Margus, Burias, Cablalan, Glan Padidu, Gumasa, Kapatan, Lago, Pangyan, San Jose, Small Margus, Taluya, Tango and Tapon. Aside from the COT collection, there will also be nightly chillouts at Coco Beach Resort in Barangay Gumasa, youth eco-camp, and bike and plant activities. (Jake Narte-Joshua John Pantonial/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)