Reaction on Ms. Anna R. Oposa’s talk on marine life conservation

Chief Mermaid: the title that was given to a UP alumnus who finished B.A English and found herself one day leading a non-government organization who advocates marine conservation and protection of underwater animals. Ms. Anna R. Oposa thought of working in big advertising companies however, she realized that she wanted to use her skills in oral and written communication to protect our marine natural resources. According to her campaigning for the conservation of our marine resources is a tough job because it means dealing with different individuals from the political arena. However, Ms. Oposa said still there some individuals who would like to help in her advocacy.

Ms. Oposa’s talk on marine conservation made me realized how important our seas and oceans and at the same time how we damage the life beneath these body of waters. Sea turtles, sharks, corals and many other underwater species are already close to extinction as stated in the talk. Humans are the main perpetrators why their number is decreasing every year. Indeed, Ms. Oposa’s stand that everyone needs proper education on how we can help to protect these marine species because in the first place we benefit from it. I, personally salute Ms. Oposa for dedicating her time and passion in promoting marine conservation because it’s not an easy job after all. Many of us who are still in college would like to land a white collar jobs in big companies but as for Ms. Oposa, she used her knowledge to fight for what is right and what should be done to conserve our marine natural resources so the next generation will able to witness how majestic our seas and oceans as well as the lives beneath it.

The University of the Philippines, as the leading institution in marine studies, should continue to conduct dialogues and seminars on marine conservation not just to its students but even to communities outside the campus. We should all be aware that oceans and seas contribute a huge percentage in our existence. Like what Ms. Oposa said during her talk “We can live without having a girlfriend or boyfriend but we cannot live without WATER.” I also would like to encourage my fellow colleagues in the university to start doing our share to protect our marine natural resources. Most of us are members of college and university and organization maybe we can tap our friends to do projects in protecting marine life.

Blogpost by: Alexis Perez Dujua