Growing up in Mindoro, I could go to the beach anytime. Sadly, I have also witnessed firsthand how people carelessly neglect and abuse our seas. There have been many reports and analyses on the threat of climate change to Philippine marine life. The problem of overfishing and coral reef destruction have also been raised. Recently, media reported on China’s poaching of giant clams and destruction of coral reefs in Scarborough Shoal. But the Philippines’ foreign affairs chief said China doesn’t owe us for these transgressions.

Sigue, W. R. L. (2019, May 4). Choosing to speak for the seas. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. C2.