May is Month of the Ocean, and this year’s theme is “Develop a sustainable and equitable blue economy,” which is in line with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Ocean Decade Challenge 4.
Northern Mindanao made a splash during Month of the Ocean with a significant coastal clean-up initiative. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region 10 (DENR 10), under the leadership of Regional Executive Director (RED) Henry A. Adornado, orchestrated the massive clean-up drive across 12 coastal barangays in the city: Bulua, Bayabas, Bonbon, Macabalan, Puntod, Lapasan, Gusa, Cugman, Tablon, Agusan, Puerto and Bogo.
Northern Mindanao’s lifeblood
The ocean is an integral part of Northern Mindanao, as it’s deeply ingrained in the region’s economy, environment, culture, and livelihoods. Fishing is a significant source of livelihood for many coastal communities in Northern Mindanao, providing employment and food security.
RED Adornado knows that protecting and sustainably managing these marine resources is crucial for the well-being of both present and future generations. That is why he beamed with gratitude for everyone who joined in on the effort—government officials, the academe, civil society, the private, and the Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs). It’s a team effort to keep our oceans happy and healthy, and he’s thrilled to see everyone pitching in.
The Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs/CENROs) got in on the action too, hosting their own Month of the Ocean initiatives. They rolled up their sleeves and showed their love for the ocean through coastal clean-ups, educational campaigns, and spreading the word through radio interviews and community gatherings.
Saving the oceans, one coast at a time
The Month of the Ocean is all about making waves and raising awareness. Mandated through Presidential Proclamation No. 57, series of 1999, it seeks to promote sustainable management of our coastal and ocean resources and spread the word about why it’s so important to protect these precious environments.
So, let’s spread the love across all our oceans and make sure we do our part in conserving our precious waters.
