Legarda calls for urgent, united action to protect the Philippines’ oceans

Senator Loren Legarda issued a clear and urgent call to action following the Philippines’ participation in the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), urging for united efforts to protect the oceans and safeguard the livelihoods of Filipinos.

Speaking at the DFA Ocean Talk, a post-UNOC3 symposium, on August 13, 2025, Legarda described the ocean as “the soul of our archipelago,” sustaining 2.24 million livelihoods and contributing Php 787 billion annually to the economy.

She warned that this lifeline is already under threat and that without decisive action, by 2040, sea-level rise could displace 150,000 Filipinos and cause more than ₱18 billion in economic losses, while over four million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste each year poison the nation’s waters and food chain.

“Climate harm is a breach of legal duty, and protecting our oceans is central to human dignity, security, and peace,” she stressed, citing the International Court of Justice’s recent Advisory Opinion affirming the binding responsibility of states to prevent, reduce, and redress climate damage.

Legarda highlighted the Philippines’ active role at UNOC3 held last June in Nice, France, noting the country’s presence in every major space of the conference, leadership as one of 13 Vice Presidents, and interventions in nine thematic panels.

Legarda stressed that strong words in conference halls must translate into tangible action at the community level, with empowered local governments enforcing sustainable fishing, protecting mangroves, expanding marine protected areas, and addressing threats like illegal fishing and poor waste management.

The four-term Senator also called for a broad cultural shift towards ocean literacy, urging Filipinos to see the seas as a shared inheritance rather than a boundless resource.

“The fight for our oceans demands unprecedented cooperation. Civil society must keep us accountable. The academe must guide us with sound science. The private sector must make sustainability the standard, the wisdom of our indigenous peoples and local communities must be valued. And the youth should use their creativity to change the tide,” Legarda said.

“Our most significant victories are yet to be won, if we dare to do more, together,” Legarda concluded. (30)

Legarda nanawagan ng agaran at pagkakaisa para protektahan ang karagatan ng Pilipinas

Nanawagan si Senadora Loren Legarda ng pagkilos matapos ang pakikilahok ng Pilipinas sa Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), at hinihikayat ang isang nagkakaisang pagsisikap upang protektahan ang mga karagatan at pangalagaan ang kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino.

Sa kanyang talumpati sa DFA Ocean Talk, isang post-UNOC3 symposium, noong Agosto 13, 2025, inilarawan ni Legarda ang karagatan bilang “the soul of our archipelago,” na sumusuporta sa kabuhayan ng 2.24 milyong Pilipino at nagbibigay ng ₱787 bilyon taun-taon sa ekonomiya.

Nagbabala ang senadora na ang mahalagang yamang ito ay nanganganib na, at kung walang agarang aksyon na gagawin, pagsapit ng 2040, ang pagtaas ng antas ng dagat ay maaaring magpalikas sa 150,000 Pilipino at magdulot ng higit ₱18 bilyong pagkalugi sa ekonomiya, habang mahigit apat na milyong metric tons ng plastic waste kada taon ang lalason sa ating tubig at pinagkukunan ng pagkain.

“Climate harm is a breach of legal duty, and protecting our oceans is central to human dignity, security, and peace,” giit ni Legarda.

Binigyang-diin din niya ang aktibong papel ng Pilipinas sa UNOC3 na ginanap noong Hunyo sa Nice, France, kabilang ang presensya ng bansa sa mga kumperensya, pamumuno bilang isa sa 13 Vice Presidents, at pakikilahok sa siyam na thematic panels.

Ayon pa sa senadora, ang matitibay na pahayag sa mga kumperensya ay dapat maisalin sa kongkretong aksyon sa mga komunidad, kung saan ang mga lokal na pamahalaan ay may kapangyarihang magpatupad ng sustenableng pangingisda, magprotekta ng mga bakawan, magpalawak ng marine protected areas, at tugunan ang mga banta gaya ng ilegal na pangingisda at maling pamamahala sa basura.

Nanawagan din ang four-term senator ng malawakang pagbabagong kultural tungo sa ocean literacy.

“The fight for our oceans demands unprecedented cooperation. Civil society must keep us accountable. The academe must guide us with sound science. The private sector must make sustainability the standard, the wisdom of our indigenous peoples and local communities must be valued. And the youth should use their creativity to change the tide,” sabi ni Legarda.

“Our most significant victories are yet to be won, if we dare to do more, together,” pagtatapos niya. (30)