As part of the Plastic Free July, a global movement that amplifies the call for strengthened efforts to solve the global plastic crisis, ocean conservation advocate nongovernment organization, Oceana Philippines, called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to protect marine protected areas against plastic pollution.
Second is Republic Act 10654, the basis for the establishment of locally managed MPAs, which are governed by concerned local government units . Currently, there are a total of 75 Nipas MPAs, wherein 35 are legislated, five are proclaimed and 35 are initial components.The DENR-BMB is also pushing for the establishment of networks of MPAs to strengthen the protection and conservation of these biodiversity-rich areas. There are currently 60 established MPA networks in the Philippines.
The DENR-BMB implements a program called Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program, which is fully funded by the government through the General Appropriations Act. He said big fishing firms continue to exploit and monopolize the country’s marine and aquatic resources, and no amount of government conservation program could stop this threat to our marine ecosystem.
According to Ramos, an effective MPA must be science-based, implements the Enipas Act, Fisheries Code, as amended, and other laws, without fear or favor, and require strong and continuing collaboration not just among Protected Area Management Board members but also with the stakeholders, including the 12 Fisheries Management Areas , a legacy of the Duterte administration.