PB wants Visayan Sea declared a heritage site

Provincial Board Member Victor Maambong is asking Congress to proclaim the Visayan Sea as a marine reservation and heritage site being host to the world’s richest marine resources.

In his proposed resolution, Maambong, chairman of the PB committee on environment, said the proclamation will not only ensure the protection, conservation and sustainable development but will also showcase the wealth of the marine resources and beauty of the of the Visayan Sea.

The resolution was co-sponsored by PB member Agnes Magpale.

It was Kent Carpenter, a renowned marine biologist, who revealed that the Philippines is the “epicenter of the richest marine biodiversity in the world.”

Carpenter said the highest diversity and endemism of organisms are found in the Visayan Sea, particularly the part in Cebu, Bohol and Ilo-ilo.

Maambong said the amazing discovery brought tremendous pride to the Filipinos, adding that “this marvel of the seas has made the Philippines not just the Pearl of the Orient seas but more of a The Mother of all Seas.”

“The proclamation would open the floodgates of global environmental awareness in the area, and brings in priceless historical, educational and scientific, environmental and economic benefits for all mankind,” Maambong said.

Maambong stressed that proclaiming the Visayan Sea as marine reservation and heritage site will be a “priceless legacy.” — Garry B. Lao/LPM