SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — As the country observes the Month of the Ocean (MOO) in May, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 1 (DENR-1) will highlight the protection and conservation of coastal and marine resources.
Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 57 signed by former President Joseph Estrada in 1998, the month of May was declared the Month of the Ocean.
Angie Wesley, Ecosystem Management Specialist II of DENR-1, noted that the annual observance of MOO promotes a blue economy, or the sustainable use and management of ocean resources for economic growth and improved livelihood while preserving the marine ecosystem.
“DENR-1 will be hosting various activities for communication, education, and public awareness (CEPA) campaigns to raise the people’s consciousness in the region on the impacts of our actions that can degrade our marine ecosystem,” Wesley said.
She added, “We want to urge our local stakeholders to join us in our cause and be proactive in safeguarding and preserving the ocean.”
A multi-stakeholder forum will be staged in Luna, La Union, on May 9 wherein laws governing the use of the foreshore areas, salvage zones, and coastal waters will be discussed.
Also, DENR-1 will hold a lecture on ocean resources, as well as their protection and conservation, among schoolchildren at the SM Supermall in Rosales City, Pangasinan, on May 10.
Another similar learning session will be staged among Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) workers in the towns of Caba and Bauang in La Union on May 16 and 17, respectively, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment.
DENR will also maximize the platform called Kapihan sa Ilocos, the in-house program of the Philippine Information Agency-Region 1, to drumbeat its advocacy on May 17 to be aired over eight partner local radio stations in the region.
Wesley noted that the monthlong observance will likewise raise public awareness of the roles of every member and sector of the community in developing a sustainable and equitable blue economy. By Caren Grace Cabanayan-Carbonell