Press Release - VIllar cites 'blue economy' in celebration of the International Clean up

The "blue" must stay blue, stressed Senate committee on environment and natural resources chairperson Sen. Cynthia A. Villar.

During the celebration of the International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) 2024 at the Las Piñas - Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) last Saturday, Sept. 21, Villar related the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had chosen the theme "Clean Seas for a Blue Economy."

She noted that blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of marine ecosystems.

"We should preserve its vitality as it is essential to the health of our environment and communities," she said.

"We are fortunate to have our ICC here in Las Piñas - Parañaque Wetland Park, a place where we can immerse ourselves in nature while participating in the clean-up," also said Villar

She added that the wetland park is a protected area under the Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018 which she pushed in the Senate.

"This law ensures that the LPPWP is preserved and taken cared of due to its vital physical and biological significance to our environment."

This year's ICC theme is "#SeaTheChange."

Villar said this encourages us to take action and be the change we want to see in our oceans—clean, healthy, and thriving.

"Clean seas are essential to sustain our ecosystems and support the generations to come," pointed out Villar.

Meanwhile, the senator said we should rethink pursuing reclamation projects which reduce our bodies of water. She said it destroys our marine ecosystems at marine life.

This annual clean-up observed during the third Saturday of September is an important move towards environmental protection.

The ICC, the senator said, represents the world's largest volunteer effort for ocean health.

"Volunteers from around the globe gather on beaches, coasts, rivers, other waterways, and dive sites to remove trash and document the volume and type of trash collected. The data gathered plays a critical role in shaping waste management policies, improving product packaging, and enhancing environmental awareness in our communities," stated Villar.

KAILANGANG manatiling "blue" ang blue, giit ni