During the 10th Visayan Sea Governors Summit, held last week in Oton, Iloilo, five governors signed an agreement committing to the ecosystem approach to fisheries management framework, which promotes the conservation, protection, and restoration of Visayan Sea marine biodiversity.

Among those participating in the covenant signing included Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr., Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr., Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III, Masbate Governor Antonio Kho, Capiz Governor Antonio Del Rosario.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme, gave out the Pasalamat sa Katauhan Awards, which recognizes individuals who promote compliance with environmental laws. Among the recipients included Marañon; along with Atty. Wilfred Ramon Peñalosa and Ma. Elena San Jose of the Negros Occidental Provincial Environment Management Office./WDJ