By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—A group of young
Ilocano volunteers is making waves in the coastlines of Ilocos Norte as they attempt
to protect marine resources and combat “plastic pollution”.
Plastic pollution, they
explained are the plastic packaging and bottles commonly used today.
During their free time, they
would gather near a beach and pick scattered plastic materials and bottles. They
would also fun-dive and conduct underwater clean-up.
Proudly calling themselves as
“ocean patrollers”, these young individuals are part of greater environment
advocacy group dubbed “Movement Against Plastic Pollution”, or MAPP in Ilocos
Norte which aims to love, protect and educate people about their role stewards
of nature.
“Plastic pollution is every day’s
problem. Plastics are everywhere, including in your own dinner table, in your
own food. So be part of the solution,” said Patricia Dacanay, a young
environmentalist from Currimao, Ilocos Norte, who is also the MAPP founder.
As an anti-plastic advocate,
the 20-year old Ms. Dacanay shows how “zero waste lifestyle” can be rewarding
in the long run.
Together with other youth
volunteers, the MAPP is active in social networking sites to promote its
advocacy.
In partnership with schools,
the movement recently organized, “Usapang Dagay: A marine conservation day
camp” on June 9 to reach out to fellow youth and instill awareness on how to
get rid of plastic pollution little by little.
Attended by 41 participants,
the whole-day event featured discussions on marine and coastal ecosystem,
fishery laws, plastic pollution and zero waste lifestyle.
Arthur Valente, fishery regulatory
officer of Ilocos Norte said several marine animals and fish died already due
to plastic pollution and not just due to water contamination.
“The solution to the problem
on waste starts with one’s self. People lack discipline and they tend to abuse
it,” said Mr. Valente.
Enjoining everyone to be part
of the solution, Ms. Dacanay said “We don’t need plastic. Our environment need
not suffer due to the wrongdoings of man.”
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