Oceana Urges Stronger Ocean Governance on Earth Day

As the world observes Earth Day 2025 under the theme “Our Power. Our Planet,” Oceana joins the urgent call to strengthen environmental governance and encourage citizen action for ocean conservation. The international marine protection organization reiterates its appeal to the national government to safeguard the country’s vital coastal and marine ecosystems through immediate legislative and executive measures.

Central to these efforts is the prompt signing of the law declaring Panaon Island in Southern Leyte a protected seascape, and the inclusion of the National Coastal Greenbelt Act among the President’s priority bills. “Earth Day reminds us that ocean health is essential for planetary health,” stated Atty. Liza Eisma-Osorio, Acting Vice President of Oceana.

“We urge President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to demonstrate strong leadership in marine conservation by signing the Panaon bill into law and prioritizing the National Coastal Greenbelt Act. These measures are crucial for environmental protection, climate resilience, food security, and disaster risk reduction—strategies that the country urgently needs,” Osorio said.

The law declaring Panaon Island as a protected seascape under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS) Act has already passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate and is awaiting the President’s signature.

“This legislation is the product of years of scientific research, stakeholder consultations, and community support. Its signing will preserve marine biodiversity, enhance food security, and empower communities to manage their seas sustainably,” Osorio added.

Oceana is also championing the passage of the National Coastal Greenbelt Act, which will establish a nationwide network of mangroves and beach forests as natural buffers against coastal erosion, storm surges, and sea level rise. This bill provides a strategic and science-based approach to mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change, especially in vulnerable coastal areas.

“Mangroves are one of our strongest natural defenses against climate disasters. The longer we delay institutionalizing their protection, the more we expose communities to irreversible harm,” Osorio warned.

In solidarity with the Global Mangrove Alliance Philippines, Oceana supports the urgent call to protect the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP)—Metro Manila’s last remaining mangrove forest. LPPWP has been declared a protected area under the E-NIPAS Act and included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

As the Philippines aspires to build its Blue Economy—leveraging marine resources for sustainable economic development—Oceana stresses that this must be anchored in good ocean governance, strong environmental laws, nature-based solutions, and community stewardship.

“Our vision of a Blue Economy must not be built on the destruction of mangroves, wetlands, and reefs,” Osorio emphasized. “It must be grounded in science, guided by law, and led by the communities that depend on the ocean.”

Earth Day Call to Action

Oceana calls on President Marcos Jr. and concerned agencies to:

• Sign into law the Panaon Island Protected Seascape Bill;
• Certify the National Coastal Greenbelt Act as urgent and include it in the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) agenda;
• Uphold the protection of LPPWP and reject any efforts to commercialize or reclaim this critical habitat;
• Ensure transparency and meaningful consultation in all marine development activities by supporting current initiatives that empower citizen action.

“Let Earth Day 2025 be remembered for pledges and decisive action. Protecting our marine ecosystems is not just about conservation—it’s about survival, resilience, and national integrity,” Osorio emphasized.