Manila, March 6 -- The local government is eyeing Barangay Bonbon, a coastal village, as a potential ecotourism and biodiversity hub, citing its rich marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Armen Cuenca, chief of the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO), said Thursday that a biodiversity assessment conducted with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 10 (DENR-10) highlighted the area's ecological significance.

"Bonbon's marine sanctuary is an ideal spot for diving due to its thriving coral reefs and diverse aquatic life," Cuenca said in an interview.

The village is renowned for its abundant sardine catch, locally called "tamban," and its flourishing mangrove plantations, which provide habitats fo...