Miss Scuba PHL winners share simple tips on saving the ocean

The winners of the Miss Scuba Philippines 2017 contest gave simple tips on protecting the country's ocean which, reports said, is one of the biggest sources of plastic leaking into the very large body of water.

Newly crowned Miss Scuba Philippines 2017 Sherlyn Legaspi Doloriel, of Misamis, Oriental, encouraged the public to plant mangroves and take part in clean-up operations.

"I encourage them to plant mangroves and participated in clean-up activities. These are simple things which we can follow," said Doloriel, who just flew to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia for the Miss Scuba International 2017 pageant on Nov. 18.

Danica Acuna of Romblon, 1st runner-up, said that the pageant is also involved in awareness campaign on protecting the ocean.

"The people may also attend seminars on saving the ocean so that they will know the real state of our ocean. Then join workshops on similar advocacy," said Acuna, during a victor-press conference held at Rufo's Restaurant on Paseo de Roxas in Makati City last Sunday.

Kristine Eiriel Nolasco, 2nd runner-up, said that it would also be an advantage for many people to visit attractions that involve the ocean.

"Through these attractions, we would really know the real state of the ocean. The problem is not all of us can go to the ocean so we really need to be informed," said Nolasco.

In 2015, the international group Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey Center for Business and Environment ranked the Philippines as No. 3 among the world's biggest sources of plastic leaking into the ocean.

Cindy Pacia Madduma, national director for Miss Scuba Philippines, said: "We can reduce our carbon footprint through the 4Rs - reduce, recycle, reuse and respect.

"With the advancement of technology right now, everyone is into Facebook, social media, you can say something, about what you see on the ocean," sid Madduma.

"Through that, we can be responsible citizens. If you see someone violating the law, you can tell the authorities. Example, nakakita kayo ng bombing (sa ocean), then you can tell the authorities. Maraming ways po na makakatulong tayo pero we really need to do it," said the Miss Scuba International 2015 winner.

Madduma also said that she is hopeful that the Philippines could stage the Miss Scuba International contest five years from now. The contest focuses on saving the ocean. - ROBERT REQUINTINA