DENR Region VI supports ‘Ocean’s Ride’ set June 3

ILOILO City – Being an archipelagic country surrounded by large bodies of water, we primarily rely on our coastal and marine ecosystems to provide us with food, livelihood, navigation and coastal protection.

However, with our increasing population and the impending problem on improper waste segregation on coastal areas, our coastal and marine are at risk of degradation and depletion.

Thus, to raise awareness and to promote sustainable management of our valuable coastal and marine resources, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources ( DENR) Region VI supports the Zoological Society of London ( ZSL) – Philippines on its biking event dubbed, “Ocean’s Ride,” slated on June 3.

This is also in celebration of this year’s Environment Month with the theme: “Connecting People to Nature,” and of the World’s Oceans Day on June 8, and the 18th Month of the Ocean with the theme, ““TaYo at ang Karagatan.”

Bike groups and enthusiasts are invited to assemble at SM City, Iloilo around 5 o’clock in the morning. The route will be from SM City Iloilo Main Entrance to Katunggan Ecopark in Brgy. Nabitasan, Leganes, Iloi lo passing through Benigno Aquino Service Road, El 98 Street, Jaro Plaza, Iloilo-Capiz Road, Circumferential Road (Ohong) and Iloilo-Dumangas Coastal Road.

A coastal clean- up, and mangrove bagging and planting will be done at the mangrove site. This is to spread awareness on the importance of the mangroves, its conservation and contribution to our marine ecosystems, especially in helping create climate resilient communities.

Bikers are also encouraged to bring their own refillable water container for a water stop is provided halfway

through the route.

An education campaign for kids which includes story- telling, interactive online games, quizzes and exhibits to inculcate the value of coastal and marine conservation and protection among the youth will also commence as part of the celebration on June 4, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Southpoint, SM City Iloilo.

“One of DENR’s thrust as mandated by DENR secretary Roy Cimatu is to keep our

oceans, rivers and coastal areas clean. This can only be achieved if all of us will strive to be responsible with our garbage and refrain from throwing it in bodies of water,” said regional director Jim Sampulna.

“Let us also continue our initiative of planting mangroves in our coastal areas. Mangrove forests play an important role in mitigating climate change, flooding, coastal erosion and storm surge,” he added./