West Philippine Sea Forum in Toronto highlights Marine Conservation and Sovereignty

West Philippine Sea Forum in Toronto highlights Marine Conservation and Sovereignty

Dr. Deo Florence Onda, distinguished oceanographer and associate professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman, discussed key issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea during the forum

By Leny Rose Simbre

September 22, 2024

Toronto – A timely community forum organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Toronto (UPAAT), brought together experts and community members to discuss the critical issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Held in commemoration of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA) at the Philippine Consulate General on#160 Eglinton Avenue, the event aimed to shed light on the pressing challenges facing the WPS and what actions are needed to protect this vital marine ecosystem.

The forum featured keynote speaker Dr. Deo Florence Onda, a distinguished oceanographer and associate professor at the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines Diliman. As a Balik Scientist, Dr. Onda shared his expertise on the environmental and geopolitical factors affecting the WPS, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action. Having grown up near the waters of Palawan, a region known for its rich biodiversity, Dr. Onda’s dedication to marine conservation is deeply personal.

During his presentation, Dr. Onda highlighted the global significance of the West Philippine Sea, referring to it as the “Amazon of the Seas” and the “Epicenter of Marine Biodiversity.” As part of the Coral Triangle, a globally recognized priority conservation area, the WPS provides ecological, economic, and social benefits not only to the Philippines but to the world. However, it faces escalating threats from foreign incursions and environmental degradation, putting its fragile ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos at risk.

A panel of experts followed Dr. Onda’s presentation, including Professor Phillip Kelly from York University and Livy Camacho, Malaya Convenor in Toronto. They expanded on the environmental and socio-political dimensions of the issue. Prof. Kelly discussed the interdependence of global ecosystems, while Camacho emphasized the responsibility of the Filipino community, both in the homeland and the diaspora, to advocate for the protection of their marine resources.

Consul General Angelica Escalona opened the forum with remarks underscoring her commitment to marine conservation and expressed concern for the future of the WPS. “We are all interconnected,” she stated, “and the protection of our marine environment is not just a national responsibility, but a global one.” She called for unity among Filipinos in addressing this urgent issue.

The forum also touched on the broader geopolitical implications of territorial disputes in the WPS. Foreign encroachments have threatened Philippine sovereignty and endangered the livelihoods of those who depend on the sea for fishing and sustenance. For many

Filipinos, especially those living in coastal communities, the West Philippine Sea is a critical source of food and income, making its preservation essential for national security.

UPAAT President Agnes Lopez Manasan thanked the forum’s attendees and stressed the importance of raising awareness within the Filipino-Canadian community. She urged everyone to support marine conservation efforts and to remain informed about the ongoing challenges facing the WPS.

As the event concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of urgency. Dr. Onda and other speakers reinforced the idea that preserving the WPS is not only a responsibility of the Filipino people but also a global imperative.

This forum marked a significant step in raising awareness within the Filipino-Canadian community about the vital importance of the West Philippine Sea. It served as an educational and inspirational platform, reminding everyone of the need to protect one of the world’s most important marine environments.

Community members, along with Dr. Deo Onda and the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, gathered for the West Philippine Sea discussion forum.