BATANGAS CITY — The Center for Energy, Ecology and Development (CEED), a non-government organization, is actively advocating for the protection of the Verde Island Passage (VIP) against destructive activities in its marine areas.
In a recent multisectoral dialogue attended by fisherfolk organizations, the academe, faith-based groups, non-government organizations, and civil society organizations, CEED gathered issues and concerns currently affecting the VIP, primarily due to threats from industrialization.
According to Martha Vergara, CEED deputy head for oceans and climate, the dialogue, conducted in partnership with De La Salle University–Lipa and Caritas Manila, aimed to raise public awareness about the current state and importance of the Verde Island Passage amid growing industrial development, particularly from companies located along the VIP.
“The VIP, dubbed the ‘center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity’ and the ‘Amazon of the Ocean,’ is a marine corridor surrounding the provinces of Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, and Marinduque. It is home to over 60% of known fish species worldwide and more than 300 species of coral reefs,” Vergara said.
She added that efforts are ongoing to encourage more “champions” to support the protection of the VIP. CEED is also working to have the VIP declared a protected area under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS).
The initiative also seeks to develop a fisherfolk agenda, in which the gathered issues will be presented to political candidates in the five provinces for appropriate solutions.
“The draft of the fisherfolk agenda will be presented to candidates and provincial officials to seek their support for its implementation,” Vergara added.
She emphasized that various government agencies, such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Biodiversity Management Bureau, are collaborating to conduct a suitability assessment that Congress will require should a hearing be held on the VIP’s ENIPAS application.
Under the Philippines’ “30 by 30” commitment, 30% of the country’s land and marine areas must be protected by 2030 as part of its obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Vergara also pointed out that the VIP is not only a center of marine biodiversity but also an epicenter of fossil fuel expansion in the country.
“While several power plants already operate in the area, more projects are being proposed. However, studies have shown that these plants, especially those near Batangas Bay, have adverse effects on marine waters, fish production, and the overall ecosystem,” Vergara said.
Vergara also appealed to public to do their part by conveying to government officials and future leaders the urgency and importance of protecting and preserving the marine waters of the Verde Island Passage.| – Bhaby de Castro
