Environment Secretary Antonia Loyzaga and the governors of two provinces along the Verde Island Passage (VIP) on Tuesday jointly called on lawmakers to declare this crucial marine corridor a “legislated protected area.”

“This highest level of protection for what is touted as the center of the world’s marine biodiversity will keep VIP as a sanctuary to thousands of marine species and off limits to business activities that will threaten its pristine ecosystem,” Loyzaga said in a statement.

Governors Hermilando Mandanas of Batangas and Presbitero Velasco Jr. of Marinduque echoed the Environment secretary’s call after a meeting wherein they discussed the continuing threat posed by the industrial fuel which leaked from the MT Princess Empress’ shipwreck.

A part of the Coral Triangle, the VIP is regarded by experts as the “center of center of marine shore fish biodiversity” in the world.

Also called the “Amazon Jungle of the Seas,” it is home to more than 300 coral species, 170 fish species and thousands of marine organisms such as sharks and turtles.

The VIP also provides livelihood and other benefits to over two million people.

The marine corridor is surrounded by the provinces of Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon.

Loyzaga said that while the VIP was already declared a “marine protected area,” the governors want a higher form of protected status put into law.

It was explained that “legislated protected areas” are not only afforded more legal protection but more resources can be allocated towards their preservation.

Last April 25, Loyzaga met with the board members of the Verde Island Passage Marine Protected Area Network and Law Enforcement Network to discuss the development of a VIP-wide Disaster Prevention and Response Plan.

“Considering its mandate, the DENR is committed to strengthening the protection and management of the VIP as a priority conservation area,” Loyzaga said during the meeting. (PNA)