TACLOBAN CITY-The Junior Chamber International-Candahug Liberation (JCI-Candahug Liberation) together with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) launched their life below water program in Barangay 90 Payapay, San Jose of this city.
In an interview with Leyte Samar Daily Express, Prosecutor Lemuel Modesto, JCI-Candahug Liberation president, said the program aims to educate the public on the current condition of our seas in the region.
Modesto lamented that there are individuals who do not know and do not care on the condition of our seas even though it is already in danger of being polluted.
Under this program, which was launched last Monday (August 28), the JCI-Candahug together with BFAR will teach the people about activities which are allowed and not allowed to be conducted in sea including programs or projects which can help protect our sea waters including its resources.
“The public must know about the condition of our sea water because at this point in time it is very alarming,” Modesto said.
“The population and demand on food in our country are increasing but most of the people do not know that the foods we can get from the sea are decreasing,” Modesto added.
Aside from the increasing population and demand for food, Modesto said many fishermen will suffer once the food we get from the sea will continue to deplete.
“Our sea waters in Region eight are included in the top ten sea waters in the country which are in danger already such as the Carigara Bay, Kankabato Bay, Leyte Gulf and some sea waters in Samar,” Modesto added.
Among the human activities mentioned by Modesto which destroys our sea water are the conduct of illegal fishing and throwing of garbage.
“If we have clean sea water, the food that we get in the sea will increase and it will help us to have a sufficient supply of food in the country and a safer water to drink,” Modesto said.
Modesto emphasized that the sea water will be much more in danger if the people will continue to throw their garbage anywhere especially human waste and other chemicals.
“If we have a clean environment, in effect, we have clean food, water and (safe) place to live,” he said.
During the launching of the program, the JCI-Candahug Liberation posted tarpaulins and distributed fliers to remind the public about those activities which are allowed and not allowed to be conducted in seas.
The life below water program was among the 17 United Nation Sustainable Programs which the JCI-Candahug Liberation must achieve.
(RYAN GABRIEL LLOSA ARCENAS)
