LAMAVE celebrates Month of the Ocean (MOO) with DENR and partners

May 4, 2018, Apo Island, Negros. DENR-BMB and partners descended upon Apo Island, Negros Oriental to officially kick-off Month of the Ocean (MOO) 2018. This year's theme “Together for the Reefs” (“Sama-sama para sa Bahura”) compliments and coincides with the International Year of the Reef and aims to get everyone involved in protection the Philippine Seas.

The “Month of the Ocean” is celebrated annually in the Philippines during the month of May. Spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) MOO aims to highlight the conservation, protection and sustainable management of the Philippines coastal and ocean resources through collaborate activities with different sectors of society. This year, in particular, the #NationfortheOceanPH campaign is targeting everyone to get involved in the protection of the ocean.

This years kick-off held on Apo Island Protected Landscape and Seascape, Negros Oriental, which is also the location of one of LAMAVEs turtle research sites, was hosted by PENRO EMCEE, featured many notable speakers including: DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, Mayor of Dauin HON. Neil Credo, Congressman HON. Arnie Teves, Governor of Negros Oriental HON Roel R. Degamo, DENR 7 Regional Director Gilbert C. Gonzales, DNER-BMB Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez and Ocean Ambassador Noel Guevara. NGO Partners of DENR were also present and included: LAMAVE, The Reef-World Foundation (GreenFins), Oceana, RARE, Marine Conservation Philippines (MCP) and Danhugan Island.

Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved, here's hoping this years Month of the Ocean will be incredibly successful and that many more people will take action to protect our oceans. For updates and news on Month of the Ocean activities follow DENR Facebook Page and the #NationfortheoceanPH hashtag.