BORONGAN CITY (PIA) -- Garbage, particularly plastic wastes, has a serious effect on our oceans.

Representative Maria Fe Abunda’s chief of staff, Atty. Allan Contado, highlighted these words while conveying her message during the launching of the Clean-up Dive, which was held lin the town of Sulat on May 8,

Contado represented Rep. Abunda in the said activity of the provincial government of Eastern Samar in observance of the National Ocean Month 2023.

Contado explained the threat that marine inhabitants like fish are facing a huge threat due to tons of garbage, particularly plastic wastes that end up in the sea. As per recent studies, an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 metric tons of plastic wastes end up being accidentally ingested by marine inhabitants like fish, leading to the death of approximately 100 metric tons of fish every year.

With the continued production and usage of single-use plastics, this problem continues to get even worse.

Contado urged all local government units in the province to take the lead in protecting the environment through rigorous implementation of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which requires all LGUs to maneuver the implementation of proper waste segregation, as well as the conduct of activities promoting environmental protection like the Clean-up Dive.

"It is estimated by the year 2050, the plastic that will be manufactured by companies will reach 26-B metric tons, and only 9% is recycled," said Contado. Therefore, he encouraged everyone to unite and take part in protecting the ocean and its inhabitants.

Abunda's call was also a message of unity and cooperation, expressing full support for activities aimed at preserving our nature, Contado added. (MMP/VTG/PIA E. Samar)