MindanaoToday.com | DENR highlights youths’ role in ocean, marine conservation
By: Jan Albert K. Araña
MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 10 (DENR-10) underscores the vital role of Filipino youth in ocean protection as the country observes Ocean Month.
May is declared ‘The Month of the Ocean’ by Proclamation No. 57, which emphasizes the preservation, safeguarding, and sustainable management of the coastal and ocean resources of the Philippines.
In light of this, the DENR and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) lead activities and events to promote sustainable fishing practices and ocean conservation.
“It is time for the youth to take an active role in protecting the environment. They must be involved,” said Mercedita Barbarona, chief of Coastal Resource and Foreshore Management and Deputy Chief of the Conservation and Development Division of DENR-10.
She said one major issue the region faces is ocean-bound garbage, and the youth can help address this problem through ocean conservation, coastal clean-ups, and developing innovative ways to prevent garbage from reaching the ocean.
Barbarona said that in 2023, coastal and underwater clean-ups in the region collected a total of 1.03 million tons of garbage, with projections to increase to 1.05 million tons in 2024 and 1.07 million tons in 2025.
DENR-10 records showed that Cagayan de Oro City generates the most waste at 0.65 million tons, followed by Iligan City at 0.29 million tons, Valencia City at 0.18 million tons, Malaybalay at 0.16 million tons, and Ozamis City at 0.12 million tons.
DENR-10 records showed that Cagayan de Oro City generates the most waste at 0.65 million tons, followed by Iligan City at 0.29 million tons, Valencia City at 0.18 million tons, Malaybalay at 0.16 million tons, and Ozamis City at 0.12 million tons.
To address this, the DENR promotes strict implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, urging local governments to practice the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).
Jan Chryzza Marquez, one of the youth environment advocates, argues that regular waste segregation can significantly reduce the amount of garbage reaching the ocean.
“It is not only the government’s duty to protect the environment and the ocean for future generations. Everyone has a role to play. Ocean conservation is a shared task,” Marquez said.
To support this shared responsibility, the DENR urges the public to participate in community activities and practice proper waste disposal to protect the ocean and the environment. (JAKA/PIA 10-Misamis Oriental)
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