How You Can Save Our Seas

Now that the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical and Services Administration (PAGASA) already declared the onset of rainy season last June 23, 2015, beach-bumming season is officially over.

But for those who still can’t get enough of the water, you can take your love for all things beachy by saving the Philippine seas.

Save Philippine Seas (SPS) is a collective effort to save and protect the country’s defenseless marine resources. With over 300 trained scuba diver volunteers nationwide, SPS started on May 26, 2011 with the idea of marine conservation and protection through the help of local and foreign authorities.

Recently, a winning Sea Camp project “PaWeCan Do It,” a brainchild of Save Philippine Seas advocate and volunteer John Enriq Batapa, was held last June 27, 2015 in Brgy. Kiambing, Maitum, Sarangani Province.

Over 40 participants enjoyed releasing turtle hatchlings and learning about pawikan conservation through the expertise of Jessica C. Guilao, Chief of the Protected Areas, Wildlife, and Coastal Management Service-City Environment and Natural Resources Office Kiamba.

Seas and oceans make up the largest ecosystems on Earth, providing us with food and water. 97% of the Earth’s water supply comes from ocean.

It also provides jobs to millions of workers in fishing industry. Medicine and other pharmaceutical components are extracted from marine invertebrates and algae. These bodies of water also regulate the Earth’s temperature and standardize carbon dioxide. It reduces the impact of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Fortunately, local and private sectors are now taking bold action in addressing the problem concerning these bodies of water. What’s more interesting is that the youth are now engaged into this kind of activities.

Save Philippine Seas is still looking for passionate and nature lover volunteers. Visit the Save Philippine Seas website.