By Nimfa Estrellado The press briefing held on July 21, 2023 in Lucena City led by Atty. Asis G. Perez, Tanggol Kalikasan, former Bureau of ...
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| The press briefing held on July 21, 2023 in Lucena City led by Atty. Asis G. Perez, Tanggol Kalikasan, former Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) director, together with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Usec Juan Victor Llamas; DILG Asec Lilian De Leon; Chief Rommel Diciano, Division Chief, BFAR; Norberto Chingcuanco, VP for Planning Feedmix Specialist Inc.; Joaquin Silvestre, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Biodiversity Management Bureau; and DND/AFP Col. Roy Derilo. |
LUCENA CITY - West Philippine Sea (WPS) conveners to hold a national summit on August 2-4, 2023, at the MIDAS Hotel, Pasay City, bringing together various government agencies, groups, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to discuss and address the pressing issues surrounding the WPS.
At a press briefing held on July 21, 2023 in Lucena City led by Atty. Asis Perez, Tanggol Kalikasan, former Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) director, together with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Usec Juan Victor Llamas; DILG Asec Lilian De Leon; Chief Rommel Diciano, Division Chief, BFAR; Norberto Chingcuanco, VP for Planning Feedmix Specialist Inc.; Joaquin Silvestre, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Biodiversity Management Bureau; and DND/AFP Col. Roy Derilo, it was emphasized that conservation and preservation of the area's marine resources are critical not only for biodiversity protection but also for ensuring sustainable food production. It was also stated that the local community plays an important role in maintaining the balance of these resources.
According to DILG Usec. Juan Victor Llamas, the national summit for WPS aims to build a national constituency comprised of all agencies, sectors, groups, and organizations with a stake in WPS that will move and act for the protection and sustainable management of WPS.
"This action plan will include strategies for sustainable fishing practices, marine conservation efforts, and the preservation of biodiversity in the Philippine Sea. It will address issues such as illegal fishing, pollution, and the effects of climate change on the marine ecosystem in WPS " he said.
He also stated that the discussion will provide information and an understanding of how important the WPS is to the Philippines and the global community. Furthermore, it will emphasize the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in order to effectively address the WPS's challenges and ensure its long-term viability.
"During the national summit, programs and initiatives will be presented, and action planning will take place, in order to plan for its protection and sustainable management. These programs and initiatives will seek to address the challenges posed by fishing activities, pollution, and climate change in the WPS " he added.
The national summit aims to emphasize the importance of sustainable practices and responsible stewardship in preserving WPS health and productivity. The national summit aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from various sectors in order to develop innovative solutions that can effectively address the complex challenges facing WPS.
According to Joaquin Silvestre, Assistant Project Coordinator at the DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau, the ecological value of WPS is immeasurable because it supports a diverse range of marine species and habitats. It is critical to prioritize the implementation of sustainable practices in order to protect and conserve this valuable ecosystem for future generations.
He stated that promoting sustainable fishing practices, establishing marine protected areas, and reducing pollution are critical actions that must be taken to ensure the long-term health and resilience of the WPS ecosystem.
Silvestre also emphasized the importance of involving local communities and stakeholders in conservation efforts to foster a sense of ownership and stewardship for the WPS.
Meanwhile, other government officials stated in the press briefing that the government is committed to carrying out these actions and working toward the long-term management of the WPS ecosystem.
They recognize the importance of collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities in achieving these goals and ensuring the long-term success and preservation of the WPS ecosystem. Without it, the ecosystem's future is jeopardized, and its delicate balance is threatened, resulting in irreversible damage..
Chief Rommel Diciano, BFAR Division Chief, emphasized the importance of sustainable fishing practices and marine biodiversity protection in ensuring the long-term availability of fish stocks and the health of marine ecosystems.
Diciano stressed the importance of putting in place measures like size limits, fishing quotas, and protected areas to prevent overfishing and promote the recovery of vulnerable species.
He also said it's important to involve local communities and stakeholders in the decision-making process, as their knowledge and participation are crucial for the success of any conservation efforts.
According to Norberto Chingcuanco, VP of Planning Feedmix Specialist Inc., livelihood options in WPS include promoting sustainable aquaculture practices and assisting in the development of eco-tourism initiatives.
These initiatives can provide additional income opportunities for local communities while also protecting the marine environment.
Furthermore, Chingcuanco emphasized the importance of collaborating efforts among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities to ensure the long-term sustainability of the WPS's marine resources.
On the other hand, former BFAR Director Atty. Asis Perez expressed hope that these collaborative efforts would result in the establishment of protected marine areas and the implementation of sustainable fishing practices in the WPS.
"This will not only benefit the local communities but will also help to conserve the region's marine biodiversity. These collective efforts, when combined, can pave the way for a more sustainable future for both the environment and the people who rely on it " he said.
He also noted that organizations and national government agencies are dedicated to continuing these efforts in the long run.
"Conservation efforts rely on the collaboration and cooperation of various stakeholders, including local communities, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, to be successful. They can develop long-term solutions that benefit both the environment and the livelihoods of those who rely on them if they work together," he added.
WPS is important to Philippine territory because it seeks to protect and preserve the area's rich marine resources, which should not be exploited, according to all conveners.
They believe that by implementing sustainable practices and regulations, they can ensure the long-term viability of these resources for future generations, and they understand the importance of educating local communities about the importance of conservation and involving them in decision-making processes to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for their natural surroundings.
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