Marine awareness fora succesful

In celebration of the Environment Month this month, the Maritime Industry Authority – Caraga Region XIII together with the Philippine Coastguard (PCG), DENR, KBP and GTO-Karis Int’l, had conducted the 1st Marine Environmental Awareness Forum on June 21 at the Annex Tavern, Surigao City. In attendance were representatives from DENR-PENRO, Philippine Coast Guard – Surigao City, MARINA,  PNP-Maritime, Hinatuan Mining,Taganito Mining and some marine stakeholders such as NEWS-NPC Coop and vessel operators. This joint effort is part of the concerned agencies direct action in raising awareness of the status of our marine environment and specific environment issues such as global warming, waste management, the worsening effect of plastic pollution and more importantly, marine protection and preservation.

In consonance with this year’s DENR theme of Green Economy: Does It Include You?, the forum speakers emphasizes the need of the communities to shift into more environment-friendly, low carbon and resource-efficient approach such as using bio-degradable products and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals especially in the industrial and mining sectors.

SN1 Eleazar Gopico Jr., of the Philippine Coast Guard being one of the resource speakers discusses the negative effects and results of improper waste removal and disposal which has long been affecting the marine life and resources. He presented the Three R’s of waste management – the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Waste Heirarchy – the guidance suggested for creating a sustainabe life. He emphasized how this waste management principles can be easily incorporated in our daily life.

DENR-PENRO- Surigao City/Surigao del Norte,another forum speaker also cited the mandates of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) on solid waste management and the LGU (Local Government Units) as implementors. He also highlighted the implementation of biodiversity campaign through the Biodiversity Management Bureau which objective is to enhance and maintain activities that generates public support. (Genda Lerio)