One cannot care for the ocean if one does not know it. This sums up the life-long advocacy of world-renowned oceanographer Sylvia Alice Earle, who recently dived into the Verde Island Passage (VIP) off Mabini, Batangas to push for the conservation and protection of Philippine marine biodiversity. Diving at 89 should be tough but it was the American marine biologist, explorer, author and lecturer’s way of rallying global support for the cause especially at a time when VIP faces threats to its health and sustainability.

Villamente, J. (2024, July 8). Ocean protector visits Verde Island Passage. Daily Tribune, p. G37.