NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Villar Highlights Role Of Oceans And Wetlands In Nurturing Life
Sen. Cynthia Villar. Photo courtesy of Senate PH
In recognition of May as the Month of the Ocean, Senator Cynthia Villar has reaffirmed her commitment to safeguarding oceans and wetlands, emphasizing their crucial role in nurturing life and supporting livelihoods, both in the Philippines and worldwide.
During the On-the-Spot Poster-Making Contest held at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Villar underscored the importance of conserving and sustainably managing coastal and marine resources in the country.
"The Philippines, being an archipelago blessed with abundant coastal and ocean resources, including critical habitats, mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds, seascapes, and endangered marine flora and fauna, must prioritize their preservation for the benefit of present and future generations," said Villar.
As the Chairperson of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Villar highlighted the need to meet the growing population's demands for food and resources while ensuring the health of the oceans. She emphasized that the oceans provide economic and ecological benefits by serving as a rich source of diverse marine life that sustains millions of people.
Villar acknowledged the vulnerability of oceans and wetlands, attributing their decline in marine biodiversity to habitat destruction and climate change. She also expressed concern about the threat to wetlands like LPPWP, a protected area, posed by proposed reclamation projects in its vicinity. These projects would lead to the destruction of the park's ecological functions, which are vital to the Filipino population.
"The reclamation project would disrupt migratory bird routes, degrade buffers against climate change, and irreversibly eliminate marine resources and biodiversity," warned Villar.
Citing a study conducted by the National Fisheries Development Institute, Villar pointed out that the LPPWP is a spawning hotspot in the Eastern part of Manila Bay, with the highest volume of fish eggs laid in the area. Fisherfolk groups also emphasized the variety of fish and seafood that can be harvested in this region, which contributes to the seafood supply in Southern NCR and nearby areas.
"I am fully committed to halting these proposed reclamation projects that jeopardize the survival of this protected area. We must remember that wetlands, such as LPPWP, serve as the starting point for life in our oceans. They act as nursery grounds for numerous marine species that eventually end up on our plates," stated Villar.
Villar also reminded participants of the poster-making contest about their important role in safeguarding oceans and wetlands. She encouraged them to work together in creating a future where wetlands are respected, and oceans thrive while sustainably supporting the global population. With Villar's dedication and the collective efforts of individuals, it is hoped that the invaluable contributions of oceans and wetlands to life and livelihoods will be preserved for generations to come.
During the On-the-Spot Poster-Making Contest held at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Villar underscored the importance of conserving and sustainably managing coastal and marine resources in the country.
"The Philippines, being an archipelago blessed with abundant coastal and ocean resources, including critical habitats, mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds, seascapes, and endangered marine flora and fauna, must prioritize their preservation for the benefit of present and future generations," said Villar.
As the Chairperson of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Villar highlighted the need to meet the growing population's demands for food and resources while ensuring the health of the oceans. She emphasized that the oceans provide economic and ecological benefits by serving as a rich source of diverse marine life that sustains millions of people.
Villar acknowledged the vulnerability of oceans and wetlands, attributing their decline in marine biodiversity to habitat destruction and climate change. She also expressed concern about the threat to wetlands like LPPWP, a protected area, posed by proposed reclamation projects in its vicinity. These projects would lead to the destruction of the park's ecological functions, which are vital to the Filipino population.
"The reclamation project would disrupt migratory bird routes, degrade buffers against climate change, and irreversibly eliminate marine resources and biodiversity," warned Villar.
Citing a study conducted by the National Fisheries Development Institute, Villar pointed out that the LPPWP is a spawning hotspot in the Eastern part of Manila Bay, with the highest volume of fish eggs laid in the area. Fisherfolk groups also emphasized the variety of fish and seafood that can be harvested in this region, which contributes to the seafood supply in Southern NCR and nearby areas.
"I am fully committed to halting these proposed reclamation projects that jeopardize the survival of this protected area. We must remember that wetlands, such as LPPWP, serve as the starting point for life in our oceans. They act as nursery grounds for numerous marine species that eventually end up on our plates," stated Villar.
Villar also reminded participants of the poster-making contest about their important role in safeguarding oceans and wetlands. She encouraged them to work together in creating a future where wetlands are respected, and oceans thrive while sustainably supporting the global population. With Villar's dedication and the collective efforts of individuals, it is hoped that the invaluable contributions of oceans and wetlands to life and livelihoods will be preserved for generations to come.
Jun 1, 2023
