MANILA (RVA News): A coalition of advocates, fisherfolk, Church groups, and communities, in time for Earth Day on April 22, again called for the protection of the Verde Island Passage [VIP], separating the islands of Luzon and Mindoro, with ceremonies at the highest statue of the Virgin Mary in the world in Batangas City, Philippines.
At the Montemaria International Pilgrimage and Conference Centre, where a statue overlooks the waters of the Verde Island Passage, Father Edwin Gariguez, lead convenor of Protect VIP, emphasised the “crucial role of oceans in giving life to our planet and its need for protection.”
Father Gariguez said, “We are reminded of the importance of environmental protection for our only home. This Earth would not give us the life that we have without its rich waters; hence, the protection of our oceans is crucial, especially the protection of the ‘centre of marine shore fish biodiversity’ on the planet, the VIP.”
He noted that protecting the passage is just for the sake of its communities, it is also a global fight for the Earth.
Environment secretary, Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, earlier expressed her support for declaring the Verde Island Passage a protected area.
Father Gariguez urged the Philippine government, especially the environment department, to act with urgency in enacting legal protection as it continues to face threats and that time is ticking for the VIP.
“It is under immense peril from fossil gas proliferation and pollution from last year’s oil spill. Marine life and the livelihoods of its communities are in danger… declare the VIP as a protected area under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area Systems Act,” Father Gariguez said.
In February 2023, a devastating oil spill occurred after the MT Princess Empress capsized releasing 800,000 litres of industrial oil into the marine passage [Sunday Examiner, 19 March 2023].
