Study

The study said that the PCG Maritime Environmental Protection Command (MEPCOM) serves as a critical arm of the PCG dedicated to protecting the nation's marine and coastal ecosystems.

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It said that MEPCOM's role in environmental protection in the WPS goes beyond the monitoring of the status of marine biodiversity.

"Its roles in investigative function may also augment the roles of the Maritime Security Law Enforcement Command due to the passage of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, wherein sovereign and EEZ (exclusive economic zone) territories identified must be secured and the archipelagic sea lanes managed and controlled," the study said.

The research added that the collaboration of PCG with relevant agencies in the combating of illegal, undocumented and unregulated fishing ensures the sustainable management of fish stocks and monitors environmental threats such as oil spills and coral reef destruction.

"These efforts support food security, livelihoods and economic growth while protecting marine ecosystems. An example of fostering the blue economy is the management of reef tourism," it said.

According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), dive tourism brought approximately P73 billion to the country's economy, or almost twice the P37-billion revenue generated from the industry in 2022.

"Initiatives such as these boost the local economy and foster awareness of the environment. Management of ecotourism programs involves careful monitoring and mitigation to prevent the degradation of the environment as well as providing for the safety and security of the communities involved," the study added.

According to the study, a multi-sectoral approach with the local government, the DOT, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the PCG and other relevant stakeholders is necessary to create a sustainable ecotourism industry.