Verde Island Passage Week to spotlight marine conservation push

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Stakeholders across the environmental, fishing, and tourism sectors are preparing for Verde Island Passage Week, scheduled for September 21-25, with renewed emphasis on safeguarding the critical marine habitat.

The Protect Verde Island Passage Network is organizing the observance to engage coastal communities, environmental advocates, and fishing groups in dialogue about conservation challenges facing the passage. The waterway, which separates Oriental Mindoro from Batangas, ranks among the country's most ecologically significant marine areas, supporting diverse fish species and coral ecosystems.

Organizers are using the week-long campaign to mount fresh calls for strengthened governmental protection measures and heightened public awareness about the passage's ecological importance. The initiative seeks to mobilize support for policies that balance marine resource management with the livelihoods of local fishing communities dependent on the waters.

The Verde Island Passage has long been recognized by conservation groups as a priority area requiring comprehensive protection strategies. Officials and environmental leaders are expected to participate in the week's activities to discuss implementation of stronger safeguards against destructive fishing practices and environmental degradation.