#Youth4Biodiversity: Marine Biology Society students at SLSU-Bontoc receives grant funding for SEAro Waste Project

Stepping up in promoting proper solid waste management, the Marine Biology Society of SLSU-Bontoc initiated the SEAro Waste Project to address concerns on the use of single-use plastics in the municipality of Bontoc, So. Leyte.

The Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE) has granted the SEAro Waste Project proposed by Marine Biology Society members as the fourth batch to receive funding under the #Youth4Biodiversity Project 2.0.

As part of the SEAro Waste Project to support SDG 14 Life Below Water, it aims to campaign about the growing concern of marine plastic pollution in the locality. The project members designed a thorough campaign awareness program to spark a change in the behavior towards a waste-free marine environment.

To get the support of LGU Bontoc, a "Plastic-Free Day" ordinance will be lobbied by government officials in the municipality. Upon comparison, other neighboring towns in Sogod Bay have an existing policy, but no such ordinance has been implemented yet in Bontoc. Then, a series of environmental awareness workshops targeting the youth will be conducted to inform them how to reduce, responsibly use, and dispose of single-use plastic and other waste products. Lastly, an intensive social media campaign through the production of IEC materials to advocate the importance of proper waste management and disposal. This initiative will also cover the importance of ecosystem conservation by implementing coastal clean-up activities, mangrove growing, and arts fest.

The project implementation members are composed of Maurice Legalig (Project Manager), Anne Cyrell Taala (Marketing Manager), Nyzareth Angel Cruz (Secretariat Head), Aaerol Kate (Graphic Design Manager), Aj Carlo Ajoc (Procurement Specialist), Irish Verdijo (Documentation Officer), Mark Adrian Jimenez (Marketing Assistant), Sheena Marie Cebuala (Graphic Design Asst), Kimberly Boyles (Procurement Asst), Gev Cano (Project Treasurer) & Aiza Udarbe (Social Media Manager) were guided by their adviser Ms. Alieza Del Socorro.

In their proposal notes, "As marine biology students, when we conduct marine ecosystem assessments through our field classes, we see firsthand the rich biodiversity in our locality and how the local populations have benefited from these ecosystems. Unfortunately, these resources are slowly being degraded by various threats, including plastic pollution problems, with this dilemma prompting and inspiring us to do something to address the waste problem in the locality."