The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 is set to engage the youth in a series of events celebrating the Month of the Ocean (MOO) this May, emphasizing the theme “Develop a sustainable and equitable blue economy,” in line with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Ocean Decade Challenge 4.
The annual celebration, mandated by Proclamation No. 57 issued by former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, sees DENR and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) as the lead agencies. This year’s events kick off on May 6 with activities including a Coastal and Marine Trivia Game at the DENR 6 Courtyard, followed by an Ocean and Seas Forum at Fort San Pedro National High School. The forum is expected to draw members of the Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O), with the aim of fostering youth involvement in marine conservation.
Mary Ann Baldove, Chief of the Conservation and Development Division-Coastal Resource and Foreshore Management Section (CDD-CRFMS), highlighted the critical role of young people in these efforts. “The youth play an integral part in safeguarding our oceans and seas, including all marine organisms that inhabit them. They possess the skills and knowledge to effectively relay vital information especially in the digital space. We need to enhance these potentials,” she stated.
Additionally, from May 8-11, the CDD-CRFMS and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Guimaras will host a Youth EcoCamp in the town of Nueva Valencia, with participation from students at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU).
Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran called for widespread participation in the Month of the Ocean, emphasizing the importance of the oceans to the Philippine archipelago. “As an archipelagic country, we must lead the way in efforts to conserve our coastal and marine resources. We must also acknowledge the great contributions they bring to our economy as a nation. All these and more must be highlighted not only this May but in all the days ahead,” Duran urged.
DENR 6 encourages everyone to actively participate in the various MOO activities across the region, aiming to foster a collective effort in promoting the protection and sustainable management of the country’s vital marine resources. (DENR-6)
