Message of Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo on the commemoration of the World Oceans Day 2023
MANILA, 08 June 2023 — I am proud to lead the Department of Foreign Affairs in celebrating World Oceans Day. This annual observance serves as a reminder of the invaluable role our oceans play in sustaining life on Earth and reinforces the urgent need to safeguard and preserve their health and vitality for future generations.
This year's theme, "Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing," resonates profoundly with the urgent need for collective action and underscores our shared responsibility in securing a sustainable future for our oceans. It is along this line that we highlight the Philippines firm commitment to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14 and the 2030 Agenda, and its unwavering efforts to address pressing challenges.
Marine pollution is one of the most critical threats faced by our oceans today. In this vein, we emphasize our steadfast commitment to oil spill response and mitigation efforts, as shown by the Philippines decisive action to address the recent oil spill in Oriental Mindoro.
We also highlight our efforts towards controlling marine plastic pollution both at the national and international levels. The Philippines passed laws to promote waste reduction, recovery and recycling, and the development of environment-friendly products. We launched a National Plan of Action for the prevention, reduction, and management of Marine Litter (NPOA-ML).
We also joined like-minded countries, or Group of Friends (GoF) to Combat Marine Plastic Pollution. And we championed the crucial steps towards a legally binding global agreement to end plastic pollution.
The greatest threat, of course, is climate change. As an archipelago with numerous low-lying coastal areas and communities vulnerable to sea-level rise and its effects, the Philippines is committed to addressing climate change and other pressures on the oceans.
Understanding the fragile balance of our marine ecosystems and the significant role they play, the Philippines exerted all efforts towards finalizing an international legally binding agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).
Moreover, the Philippines reaffirms its dedication to the United Nations Ocean Decade — a global initiative that aims to catalyze transformative action for the sustainable use and conservation of the world's oceans.
On diversity and inclusion, the Philippines takes great pride in the substantial involvement of Filipino women in ocean science, and supports proactive measures to increase their participation in ocean research, policy-making, and management
As we celebrate World Oceans Day, let us reflect upon the intrinsic value of our oceans, recognize the urgency of their protection, and reaffirm our commitment to their preservation. Together, we can secure a future where the bounties of our oceans are accessible to all, fostering a sustainable and thriving planet for generations to come. END.