June 8 of every year is World Oceans Day to raise awareness about the importance of the ocean. This year’s theme, “Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing” urges for worldwide action to prevent overfishing, combat climate change, and protect oceans in order to protect and conserve global marine ecosystem.
In observance of World Oceans Day, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 joined the Nationwide Simultaneous Coastal Clean-Up at Brgy. Alegre, Oton, Iloilo City.
The event brought together nearly 400 participants from various government agencies and local communities – DENR Regional Office, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Provincial ENR Office Iloilo, CENRO Guimbal, Local Government Unit (LGU) of Oton, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office of Iloilo, Brgy. Officials of Brgy. Alegre, and local residents.
They collected 89 sacks filled with wastes that weighed 844.5 kilograms. The assortment of trash collected during the clean-up included plastic bottles, food wrappers, styrofoam, and other non-biodegradable materials that pose a significant threat to the marine ecosystem.
“As we gather and cleaned up the shoreline, removing the debris and litter that had accumulated over time, I can sense the unwavering commitment and urge to environmental conservation of each individual,” said Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran.
“While World Oceans Day may be over, but the call to action in protecting our coastal and marine ecosystems continues throughout the year,” he added.
World Oceans Day serves as a reminder that the fate of all species on Earth is inextricably linked to the status of our oceans. Today’s decisions will have far-reaching effects for future generations. As the globe celebrates our oceans, the compelling need to revive our ocean’s health has been clearer.
