ILOILO Governor Arthur Defensor Sr.’s unwavering commitment for the protection and preservation of the Visayan Sea earned another commendation from top notch environmental advocates and international organizations.
A Certificate of the Highest Recognition was given to Defensor by the United Nations Environmental Programme and the Institute of Governance and Sustainable Development (IGSD) based in Washington DC during an Earth Day celebration in Bantayan Island, Cebu, last Sunday, April 22, 2018.
The certificate was signed by IGSD president Durwood Zaelke; UN Environmental Law and Governance regional coordinator Andrew Raine; retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.; environmental lawyer Antonio Oposa Jr. and Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon.
“Despite odds and great challenges faced by your operatives, and notwithstanding setbacks, you have persevered. By doing so, you set a movement that will outlive us all, a Movement to Care for the LAW of Life, best exemplified by the teeming marine life of coastal waters of Iloilo,” reads part of the certificate.
In 2013, the International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (INECE), an international organization based in Washington DC, USA, recognized Defensor’s relentless efforts to protect and restore the waters of Iloilo province and the Visayan Sea through his coastal resource management programs and determined enforcement of marine conservation laws.
Last year, an environmental movement called “Pasalamat sa Katauhan” also gave a commendation to the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (IPBDTF) for their successful implementation of the anti-illegal fishing campaign.
The group recognized the efforts of the IPBDTF to strictly enforce fishery laws which “immensely contributed to the waning of illegal fishing activities and significantly improved the condition of marine habitats and the livelihood of the often-disadvantaged small fishermen.”
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, who also supervised IPBDTF, said various commendations to province’s anti-illegal fishing drive serve as inspiration to the operatives to work harder in order to protect our marine resources. (PR)