Situated in the province of Batangas, the Verde Island Passage is known as the center of the center of marine biodiversity. It is located at the Coral triangle, one of the richest ecosystems on the entire planet. This 10-mile strait is home to 300 species of corals, underwater reef formations, and rock canyons that host around 60% of the world's shorefish species as reported by the Philippine News Agency. Moreover, it is one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. In fact, the total number of marine species within the 1.14 million hectare passage is still unknown due to its vastness and the shallow waters that host hundreds even thousands of species still undiscovered.

The VIP is the main source of livelihood of over 2 million people who also depend on this passage to provide them with food. It is also one of the most visited places by scuba divers and environment enthusiasts who are well aware of the beauty and diversity of the marine ecosystem underneath the shallow waters of VIP. In addition, it is also a favorite in marine expeditions with more and more marine species discovered each year. In one expedition alone in 2011 by Dr. Terrence Gosliner, the expedition leader and Dean of Science and Research Collections at the California Academy of Sciences, 300 new species, from inflatable sharks to driftwood-eating starfish, and 50 new species of nudibranchs were found. The discovery was said to have confirmed the reputation of Batangas as the nudibranch capital of the world. The VIP has also proven its resilience in spite of the storms which harm the vast ecosystem. It recovers fast and its richness is said to be contagious and could be a starting point to spread out its marine biodiversity especially in coral species.

Along with its beauty and vastness, there is also a constant threat to its title. The ignorance of its importance and the lack of awareness on proper conservation and maintenance, pose a great risk in harming the esteemed VIP. This corridor is also a passageway of the commercial vessels and other ferries who discharge their pollutants on the unmonitored waters of Batangas. During harsh weather, these sea vessels are seen anchoring in the corals within the area which causes them to be destroyed. 

Truly, we haven’t fully realized the potential of VIP. It needs attention to be discovered, to be understood, and to be protected.  And the only title I can think of to match such beauty and richness is by declaring it as a UNESCO world heritage.

As a citizen of Batangas, it is my duty and responsibility to spread awareness and call people to action. I am not forcing you to sign my petition but I want you to realize the urgency of this issue. So please...

Let us all act now before it’s too late!