Abundant Oceans and Healthy Communities: A Christmas Wish from Oceana @ 10
Press Release Date: December 25, 2024
Maligayang Pasko!
As this holiday season fills our hearts with gratitude and hope, Oceana celebrates a significant milestone—a decade of unwavering dedication to marine conservation and science-based fishery management in the Philippines. For ten years, we worked alongside artisanal fisherfolk, coastal communities, and our steadfast partners in government, civil society and private sectors, fostering science-based reforms for the health of our oceans and the well-being of our people.
This season, we reflect on the spirit of bayanihan: the essence of Filipino solidarity – rooted in genuine people’s participation that has shaped our shared journey. It is this collective action that has empowered us to work together toward restoring the abundance of our seas. We celebrate not just the victories of the past decade but also the promise and potential of what lies ahead.
The ocean has always been at the heart of Filipino identity, shaping our culture, livelihoods, and aspirations as a people. It connects generations, serving as a bridge between the wisdom of our elders and the hopes of our youth. As stewards of this vital resource, we have a shared responsibility to safeguard it—not just for today, but for generations to come.
A Decade of Bayanihan and Progress Amid Challenges
This year, we are especially grateful for several milestones in our campaigns, topping this with the recent approval of the Senate of the bill to declare Panaon Island in Southern Leyte and nine other areas as protected areas; the order of the Court of Appeals directing the National Solid Waste Management Commission to release the list of Non-Environmentally Acceptable Products that has been delayed for two decades; and the launch of a new campaign to Reduce Fish Loss and Boost Livelihood in Daram, Samar. Over the years, Oceana has also championed efforts to combat illegal commercial fishing inside municipal waters by implementing the rules on vessel monitoring measures. As of now, almost 90% of qualified commercial fishing vessels have installed tracking device for transparency and effective enforcement of our laws.
While challenges persist—the recent alarming judicial ruling on the municipal waters reserved for artisanal fishers, overfishing, habitat destruction, failure of the fisheries agency to share vessel monitoring data to enforcers including coastal cities and municipalities and the ubiquitous climate crisis among them—we draw strength from the unity and resilience of our people and partners who share our vision to employ science-based solutions for a sustainable and equitable future. As coastal communities continue to suffer from successive strong typhoons, storm surges, flooding and misplaced priorities, mainstreaming nature-based solutions that will give back to the marine environment the protection and services it provides is much-needed in the minds and hearts of our key decision-makers.
Amplifying the voices of fisherfolk and coastal communities, we have witnessed how collective action can yield tangible results. Together, we are proving that intergenerational and multi-stakeholder collaboration can drive meaningful change, where every Filipino has a role to play in restoring the abundance of our seas.
The Promise of a Brighter Future
This Christmas, let us renew our commitment to ensure that the benefits of healthy marine ecosystems are received by the communities whose everyday lives depend on them the most—our fisherfolk, women, children, and their families. May the abundance and joy we feel every Christmas becomes the norm for all Filipinos – na hindi lamang tuwing Pasko natin ipagdiriwang at pangangalagaan ang mga biyaya ng karagatan.
As we celebrate this season of thanksgiving, we also celebrate the growing network of allies who share our dream of a thriving, safe, sustainable and resilient ocean. From the halls of government to the shores of our coastal barangays, we vow to leave behind a legacy of sustainability and abundance. To our partner organizations, allies and followers: maraming salamat!
The journey is far from over, but with unyielding determination and the enduring spirit of bayanihan, we can achieve lasting change.
Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon mula sa Oceana! May this season inspire us all to continue our work for the oceans, for our people, and for a future where every Filipino can thrive, now and in the future. (END)
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 300 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.
For More Information:
Joyce Sierra, Communications Manager, Oceana
Mobile: 09178214430 E-mail: jsierra@oceana.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/oceana.philippines
Twitter: @oceana_ph Instagram: @oceana_ph