Adopted by the United Nations in 2008, World Oceans Day, which is observed every June 8, seeks to celebrate the world’s oceans and raise awareness of the role oceans play in daily life, along with ways to protect the bodies of water.
An aspect of this year’s observance looks at the campaign against plastic.
“While most plastics are expected to remain intact for decades or centuries after use, those that do erode end up as microplastics, consumed by fish and other marine wildlife, quickly making their way into the global food chain,” the international organization said. “This year, the President of the General Assembly launched ‘Play It Out,’ a global campaign against plastic pollution.”
Last month, Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III  issued an executive order creating the Iloilo City Coastal Resource Management Council (ICCRMC), which is intended to draw up plans, programs, and activities to rehabilitate, protect, develop, and conserve the city’s coastal areas.
“The council is one way to address different issues in coastal areas,” explained City Environment and Natural Resources Office head, Engr. Noel Hechanova. “ICCRMC will be like the Iloilo-Batiano River Development Council; agencies involved [will] present their plans and, afterwards, we will hold small meetings per sector, such as about livelihood and water quality.”
“The dirtiness of coastlines is among many issues and we have already planned for coastal sanitation,” he added.
A “One Time, Big Time” coastal clean-up took place in Iloilo City’s Molo and Arevalo districts earlier this year, where 18 tons of garbage was collected.
“The coastal clean-up raised awareness among residents, especially those who are living along the shorelines, on the importance of having a clean sea,” said Iloilo City Environment Management Specialist Renan Escoto./WDJ