DINAPIGUE, Isabela – In an effort to promote sustainability and protection of marine biodiversity from potentially catastrophic effects of oil spills in Philippine waters along the coast of major fishing grounds in the Cagayan Valley region, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine Coast Guard spearheaded the conduct of a three-day training session on Oil Spill Awareness and Emergency Response Course at Derije’s Farm, Barangay Digumased of this town on August 28, 2024.

This came following the launching of the Northeastern Luzon Task Force Ingat Yamang Dagat wherein the fisheries Bureau is a member.

The importance of Marine Protected Areas for biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of marine resources, while addressing the significant risk that oil spills pose to these ecosystems, were also highlighted.

The fisheries Bureau as mandated to introduce sound management and conservation of aquatic resources recognizes that the preparedness training is essential for protecting marine biodiversity from the potentially catastrophic effects of oil spills, ensuring a rapid, effective, and coordinated response that minimizes ecological damage.| V. Ujano (PFO Isabela)