‘Verde Island Passage Week’ set Sept. 21–25, aims for marine protection

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Environmental advocates, coastal communities, and fisherfolk will come together from Sept. 21 to 25 for the Verde Island Passage (VIP) Week 2026, with organizers renewing calls for stronger protection of one of the country’s richest marine biodiversity areas.

The Protect Verde Island Passage (VIP) Network announced that this year’s celebration will carry the theme “Tayo ang Alon: Sama-samang Pagkilos Para sa Karagatan, Kabuhayan, at Kinabukasan.”

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The campaign seeks to highlight the role of communities and ordinary citizens in protecting the Verde Island Passage, which has been described as the “Center of the Center of Marine Shorefish Biodiversity” and the “Amazon of the Oceans” because of its exceptional marine biodiversity.

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The network said the term “VIP” or “Very Important People” should refer not only to government officials and other influential individuals but also to fishermen, coastal residents, young people and communities whose food, livelihoods and future depend on the sea.

“VIP tayo,” the network said, emphasizing that protecting the passage requires collective action from people who live along and depend on its waters.

Organizers said the “Tayo ang Alon” theme recognizes that collective action can build a powerful force for the protection of the Verde Island Passage.

One of the major advocacy goals of the VIP Week is to push for the passage of the Verde Island Passage Protected Seascape (VIPPS) Bill in Congress and the Senate.

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The network called on the public to support the proposed legislation and join efforts to strengthen protection for the passage.

“Ang VIP ay para sa VIP. At tayo ang VIP,” the group said.

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The Verde Island Passage stretches between the provinces of Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon and is recognized as an area of exceptional marine biodiversity and importance to coastal communities. /jpv