Marine Environmental Protection Group Eastern Visayas

𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙎𝙚𝙖🌊

𝐋 𝐀 𝐍 𝐓 𝐀 𝐖 𝐈: The 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬 under the leadership of 𝐋𝐓𝐉𝐆 𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐄𝐋 𝐏 𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐎 𝐏𝐂𝐆 successfully conducted a simultaneous coastal clean-up and mangrove planting activity last 15–16 May 2026. These activities served as a Marine Environmental Protection Command (𝐌𝐄𝐏𝐂𝐎𝐌) pre-anniversary initiative, showcasing MEP Group-EV's dedication to preserving marine ecosystems across the region.

The activity took place in multiple coastal areas within Eastern Visayas, where volunteers, partner agencies, and local communities joined forces. Together, they cleared debris from shorelines and planted mangroves, reinforcing natural defenses against erosion and climate impacts while creating healthier habitats for marine life.

This collective effort highlighted the importance of collaboration between environmental advocates, uniformed services, and residents. By working hand in hand, participants demonstrated that protecting our seas is not just an organizational mission but a shared responsibility that strengthens community bonds.

Mangrove planting and coastal clean-ups are more than symbolic gestures they are practical steps toward sustainability. These actions help restore biodiversity, safeguard livelihoods, and ensure that future generations inherit a cleaner, more resilient environment.

🌍 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥, 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗧: 𝐌𝐄𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐆-𝐄𝐕 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

In observance of Earth Day 2026, under the global theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” the 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 – 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀 (𝗠𝗘𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗚-𝗘𝗩), led by 𝗟𝗧𝗝𝗚 𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗘𝗟 𝗣 𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗢 𝗣𝗖𝗚, spearheaded a simultaneous region-wide coastal clean-up, tree growing, and mangrove planting activity today, 22 April 2026.

With unified efforts from Coast Guard Stations and MEPER Units across Eastern Visayas, and in strong partnership with DENR-EMB Region VIII and local barangay stakeholders, the initiative demonstrated a collective commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. From urban road networks to coastal communities, volunteers worked hand in hand to restore and protect vital ecosystems.

A total of 𝟏𝟒𝟔 𝙨𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙨 of assorted waste were collected during the activity—reflecting both the scale of the challenge and the power of coordinated community action. Simultaneously, a total of 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙖𝙜𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙨 and 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 were planted reinforcing long-term coastal resilience and biodiversity conservation.

More than an environmental campaign, this initiative stands as a testament to shared responsibility and active stewardship. Through continued vigilance and meaningful collaboration, MEPERG-EV remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard marine environments and inspire communities toward sustainable practices.

This Earth Day serves as a reminder that real change begins with action. Together, we protect what matters because the power to preserve our planet lies in all of us.

𝐂𝐆𝐃𝐄𝐕: 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭, 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞

April 8-9, 2026 – The tranquil expanse of Eastern Visayas holds more than just beauty; it cradles the very essence of our existence. When an oil spill threatens, it is not merely an environmental incident; it is a stark reminder of the intricate, life-sustaining connection between human survival and the delicate balance of nature. The path our oceans take, and by extension, our future, is determined by the actions we take today.
Under the leadership of LTJG Michael P Divino PCG, Commander, MEPERG EV, personnel from the Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas (CGDEV) embarked on an intensive oil spill response training. This was more than skill-building; it was a profound commitment to safeguarding our shared destiny.

Participants, thru the further facilitation of Deputy Commander, MEPERG-EV LTJG Jordan J Verdida PCG, immersed themselves in critical knowledge, understanding that every facet of response is a thread in the tapestry of our survival:

•Fate and Behavior of Oil: Unraveling the complex journey of oil to predict and prevent wider devastation.
•Impacts of Oil Spill: Confronting the devastating ecological and socio-economic consequences that ripple through communities.
•Spill Response Strategies: Mastering the art and science of containment and mitigation, where every second counts.
•Shoreline Clean-up: The painstaking restoration of vital coastal ecosystems, a testament to our resolve.
•Waste Management: Ensuring responsible stewardship of contaminated materials, preventing secondary crises.
•Spill Trajectory: Predicting the unseen currents of threat, allowing for proactive defense.
•Tabletop Exercise & Actual Exercise Scenario:Transforming theoretical knowledge into decisive, life-saving action under pressure.

This comprehensive program is designed to capacitate CGDEV personnel, empowering them not just as responders, but as guardians of a fragile equilibrium. They are the frontline in a battle for our planet's health, understanding that their vigilance and capability directly impact the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the future we inherit. Their actions are a promise to the ocean, ensuring that the vibrant life and economic prosperity of Eastern Visayas endure for generations.

The closing ceremony of the training was formally graced by the Chief of District Staff, CGDEV, LCDR Adrian Rey S Madrid PCG, who underscored the significance of the skills acquired in equipping district personnel to effectively respond during incidents. He emphasized that the responsibility does not rest solely on MEP personnel, but is a shared obligation of the entire Philippine Coast Guard.

𝗟 𝗔 𝗡 𝗧 𝗔 𝗪 𝗜: Simultaneous Oil Spill Response Drill of MV JOHANNA-H7 and MV JOHANNA-H9

The MEPERG EV through Marine Environmental Protection Enforcement and Response Unit – Western Leyte (MEPERU-WL), under the leadership of Commander, MEPERG-EV, 𝐋𝐓𝐉𝐆 𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐄𝐋 𝐏 𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐎 𝐏𝐂𝐆, successfully conducted the assessment of a simultaneous Oil Spill Drill Exercise aboard MV JOHANNA-H7 and MV JOHANNA-H9 at Port of Ormoc, Ormoc City.

The drill forms part of the vessels’ compliance with the Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP), which mandates the regular conduct of oil spill response exercise to ensure preparedness and effective response during actual oil pollution incidents.

As the frontline in marine environmental protection, the Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas, through MEPERG EV, continues to uphold strict enforcement of environmental laws, rules and regulations within its AOR. The conduct and evaluation of such drills strengthen operational readiness, ensure proper utilization of MARPOL equipment, and affirm our commitment to safeguarding our nation’s precious marine environment.

Happy birthday, 𝐀𝐒𝐍 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐂 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐏𝐂𝐆
𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 - 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬

May this special day bring you happiness, good health, and continued success in both your personal life and in service. May this year ahead be filled with new achievements and blessings.

Happy birthday once again from your MEPERG-EV Family

LOOK: Northern Samar Takes Action for a Greener Future!

On March 22, 2026, our dedicated MEP Enforcement and Response Unit Northern Samar, alongside CGSS San Jose, BFP San Jose, and local Barangay Officials, led impactful environmental initiatives in San Jose, Northern Samar!

Coastal Cleanup at Brgy. Geratag:

In connection with iCARE and Task Force Ingat Yamang Dagat, volunteers collected 7 sacks (20 kg) of assorted garbage from a 300 sq. meter area. This effort directly combats the Philippines' alarming solid waste crisis; we're projected to generate 23.61 million tons of solid waste in 2025 [1], with the nation being a major contributor to marine plastic pollution [3]. This pollution tragically leads to species extinction by harming marine life through ingestion and entanglement [5] [6], and threatens 15-23% of our terrestrial vertebrates [8].

Tree Planting at Brgy. Aguadahan:

Later that day, 50 jackfruit trees were planted across 300 sq. meters. This vital activity reinforces our commitment to fighting rapid global warming. Trees are powerful carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 and helping regulate Earth's temperature. While Earth experienced significant warming during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) millions of years ago, today's anthropogenic warming is occurring at a rate ten times faster! Tree planting is a crucial natural defense against these accelerated climate shifts.

Supporting these initiatives and working together are projecting a sustainable and thriving environment!

From critical oil spills to life-saving rescues, Southern Leyte is fortifying its defenses against maritime threats!

St. Bernard, Southern Leyte – On March 23, 2026, the MEPERU-Southern Leyte took center stage as resource speakers for the Barangay Maritime On-Scene Responder Training (BMORE). This vital initiative, part of the PCG’s iCARE and TFIYD programs, was launched by Coast Guard Station Southern Leyte in close coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of St. Bernard.

Dedicated personnel from the MDRRMO–St. Bernard and representatives from coastal barangays actively participated in the training. The program's core mission was to equip our local heroes with the essential knowledge and skills needed for a holistic approach to maritime emergencies. This included crucial drowning prevention techniques and, significantly, MEPERU-SL's expertise in robust oil spill incident response protocols.

By mastering these diverse aspects of emergency management, participants are better prepared to protect not only human lives and valuable property but also the delicate marine ecosystems that sustain our communities.

𝐇𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬!

The MEPERG-EV, led by LTJG Michael P Divino PCG, joined its MEPERU Eastern Leyte through the Coast Guard Sub-Station Tacloban for an electrifying Marine Environmental Protection (MEP) Awareness Campaign at Eastern Visayas State University Tacloban Campus on this very day March 21, 2026. This wasn't just any campaign; it was a powerful call to action for the 534th ROTCU Cadets and CWTS Students, highlighting their crucial role in shaping a sustainable and richer world environment.

Through dynamic learning sessions, we dove deep into critical topics like Marine Pollution and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003). This initiative, a relentless part of PCG’s Task Force Ingat Yamang Dagat (TFIYD) and government’s intensified, Community Assistance, Awareness, Response And Enforcement (iCARE) aimed to ignite a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges facing Philippine marine ecosystems and empower our youth to drive proactive compliance with national environmental laws.

With interactive discussions and captivating visual presentations, the campaign underscored the vital role of every considered young maritime stakeholder in safeguarding marine biodiversity and championing sustainable waste management practices. This is more than just awareness; it's about fostering a generation of environmental leaders! MEPERG-EV is committed to cultivating a culture of environmental responsibility and maritime discipline among the youth, because you are the key to a greener, bluer tomorrow!

Future Protectors of the Sea: MEP Sea Scout Program Ignites Passion in Eastern Samar! 🌳

Eastern Samar is buzzing with environmental enthusiasm as the Marine Environmental Protection Enforcement and Response Unit (MEPERU) Eastern Samar proudly launched its MEP Sea Scout Program at Dao Integrated School in Oras! Over two inspiring days, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from Grades 7 to 10 dove deep into marine environmental protection.
These young eco-warriors engaged in vital service-oriented lectures, mastered essential knot-tying skills, actively participated in a tree-planting activity, and concluded their efforts with a dedicated cleanup drive, fostering a hands-on connection with nature. This impactful initiative is a proud part of the PCG's Task Force Ingat Yamang Dagat (TFIYD) and Intensified Community Assistance, Awareness, Response and Enforcement (iCARE) program.

A huge to the incredible collaboration with Dao Integrated School and Coast Guard Sub-Station Oras for making this empowering program a resounding success! Together, we're nurturing the next generation of marine conservationists and safeguarding our precious oceans.