Marine scientific stations
THE government plans to establish eight new marine scientific stations in various parts of the country.
A marine station is a hub for scientific studies, capacity-building programs and collaborative efforts.
These are all aimed at safeguarding the rich marine life and habitats found in the region, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
One of the new scientific stations will be set up on Pag-asa Island in the mineral rich-West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Note that Chinese navy and coast guard ships often shadow Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships and fishing vessels operating in the disputed WPS.
Another marine research station will be established at the Verde Island Passage, which is known as “the center of marine
DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Loyzaga Yulo said the country’s waters “stretch across 220 million hectares,” which are more than seven times of our land mass.
As a well-meaning Filipino, we cannot overemphasize the importance of establishing more marine scientific stations in the country.
It’s a move in the right direction with the worsening of climate change.
And the DENR deserves the all-out support of the public as it pursues it gigantic task of protecting our environment.
