Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo has called on the public to recognize the urgency to protect the oceans and reaffirm the commitment to preserve it as he believed that the world could secure a future where the bounties of the oceans are accessible to all. In his message at the commemoration of the World Ocean Day, Manalo expressed concern for the Philippines, considering that it is an archipelago at risk of threats from ocean degradation, and laid out various efforts that the country is taking to address such issues. "Understanding the fragile balance of our marine ecosystems and the significant role they play, the Philippines exerted all efforts towards finalizing an international legally binding agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement)," Manalo said. "Moreover, the Philippines reaffirms its dedication to the United Nations Ocean Decade—a global initiative that aims to catalyze transformative action for the sustainable use and conservation of the world's oceans," he added. In fact, he also said, the country championed the crucial steps towards a legally binding global agreement to end plastic pollution after joining like-minded countries to fight marine plastic pollution. Manalo said he is proud to lead the DFA in the celebration of the World Oceans Day as it "serves as a reminder of the invaluable role our oceans play in sustaining life on Earth and reinforces the urgent need to safeguard and preserve their health and vitality for future generations." This year's theme, "Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing," resonates with the urgent need for collective action to secure a sustainable future for the oceans, he said. "It is along this line that we highlight the Philippines firm commitment to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14 and the 2030 Agenda, and its unwavering efforts to address pressing challenges," he added.