The Philippines has made notable progress in its efforts to protect the country’s rich marine ecosystems and resources despite many challenges, Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said as he welcomed participants to the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2018 that is taking place in Iloilo City from November 27 to 30. In his welcome remarks at the opening of the EAS Congress held at the Iloilo Convention Center, Cimatu also took the chance to call for greater efforts among nations to protect coastal and marine resources in the East Asian Seas region. The region is home to some of the most economically and ecologically important sea areas of the world, covering over 7 million square kilometers of sea area and 235,000 kilometers of coastline.

Cimatu cites PH efforts to protect marine resources at EAS Congress 2018. (2018, December 1-2). The Daily Guardian, pp. 12, 13.