By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — Multiple stakeholders and advocates for the protection and conservation of the Verde Island Passage (VIP) on Friday (April 25) urged for the passage into law of the “Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act,” and for its declaration as a “World Heritage Site” .During the “Piliin ang VIP” Forum at
Luxent Hotel, it was highlighted that the VIP is recognized as the global ‘center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity,’ is a global gem that goes beyond borders, representing more than just a treasure of the Philippines.
The VIP traverses five provinces namely Batangas, Cavite, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, and Palawan in the West Philippine Sea side of the Southern Luzon Region.
The forum gathered representatives from both Houses of the 19th Congress, government officials, scientists, fisherfolk organizations, environmental advocates, and faith-based groups to contribute insights into the future of the VIP and set champions who will support the designation of the VIP under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act and as a World Heritage Site.
Martha Vergara, Deputy Head of Oceana and (CEED), cited the recent oil leak in the VIP that affected the ecological balance in the UNESCO Heritage Site.
Protecting the VIP means protecting the Filipino family and the Philippines as a whole.
Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Convenor of PROTECT VIP, said “We mourn the passing of a prophetic voice (Pope Francis) to protect and defend the Earth.”
“The dirty energy should be replaced without delay,” Fr. Gariguez said.
In 2023, Pope Francis called for the shift to non-fossilized renewable clean energy such as solar, and wind energy, among others.
“This forum is not only a platform. We are here not only to share insights but to share commitments,” Fr. Gariguez said.
“This is not only about protecting our environment, but protecting our people,” he added.
Fr. Gariguez urged to continue the legacy of Pope Francis that is ecological revolution.
On video, Oriental Mindoro (1st District) Rep. Arnan C. Panaligan noted that the VIP is the center of global biodiversity.
” The forum is aimed to gather champions to push for the protection and preservation of the VIP,” Rep. Panaligan said.
“I’m willing to assist and help you in the legislative arena,” he added.
He expressed confidence that despite the challenges, the notable undertaking will be successful.
Assistant Director Mariglo Rosaida Laririt, with 30 years of her life in Palawan, representing the DENR, said that “We continue to preach the choir about the importance and significance of the VIP.”
With the BNB for 3 weeks and 3 days, Laririt, 54, noted the many reasons to hope.
In 2024, she interviewed 84-year-old Dr. Silvio Earl whom she asked if there is still hope, chance for the Earth.
Dr. Earl in 2024 put the VIP as part of the” Blue Econony.”
She cited Pope Francis for his advocacy for ecological biodiversity and climate change mitigation.
The marine blue station of the VIP will soon be established.
“In 2024, we doubled our efforts in the House of Representatives, through Rep. Panaligan,” Laririt said.
“88% of our national territory is islands. We are an archipelago,” she added.
She hoped to live the day for the passage of the legislative measure or the “Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act” and as a World Heritage Site.
Dr. Dindo Campilan, on video from Thailand, cited the nomination of the VIP as a World Heritage Site.
Dr Campilan called for financial support for the protection and conservation of the VIP.
Dr. Miguel Azcuna, of Batangas State University, on protecting the VIP as a national and global priority, said that the fish line assessment is important.
Dr. Azcuna stressed that the VIP is an important building block towards achieving the 30-30 Initiative.
Danny Ocampo, from Oceana, cited the VIP as a cornerstone of biodiversity.
Ocampo stressed the commitment to protect the fisheries is protecting the fisheries, as well as stopping illegal fishing.
He also cited that the VIP also encompasses municipal waters, which needs a distance of 20 fathoms as a layer of protection.
Dr. Catherine Escalona, of Mindoro State University, noted “historically, the VIP is the ‘center of the center’ since the 19th century. “
Dr. Escalona said that the strong initiative to discover new fish species in the VIP was pre-empted by the Covid-19 pandemic that hit hard the Philippines from March 15, 2020 until December 2022.
“It’s very difficult to discover the 600 species of fish in the VIP,” Dr. Escalona said.
“The more that we work under water, the more we can achieve the 30-30 Initiative. The more citizens’ participation, the more we can achieve the 30-30 Initiative,” she added.
Alita Sangalang, of the DENR-BMB, cited Executive Order No. 578 issued by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo established the plan for the VIP.
” Everything is under the law, the ENIPAS Act,” Sangalang said.
The VIP is considered as” Marine Key Biodiversity Area (MKBA),” including the Balayan Bay and Tingloy Bay, the presence of various fish species therein would further strengthen the declaration of such an MKBA.
Wilson John Barbon, Executive Director of Conservation International, Philippines, said that if the Philippine Rise will be declared as a “Protected Area”, it will be the first Ocean-Protected Area in the country.
Barbon added that the VIP, which is 1.6 million hectares, will be the “Apex of the Coral Triangle” comprising of the Sulu Sea, Indonesia and Sulawesi Sea.
Only about 25,000 hectares of municipal waters of coastal towns in the five provinces in Region IV-A (CaLaBarZon) and Region IV-B (MiMaRoPa) are protected.
There are many seas that encompass such municipal waters, hence, collaboration between and among the concerned local government units is very much needed.
Effective governance, aside from financial impact assessment, including carbon credits in the “Green Wall Initiative”, is being taken into consideration in fund-raising and finance-sourcing activities. ###
