‘Verde Island Passage Week’ set Sept. 21–25, aims for marine protection

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Environmental advocates, coastal communities, and fisherfolk will come together from Sept. 21 to 25 for the Verde Island Passage (VIP) Week 2026, with organizers renewing calls for stronger protection of one of the country’s richest marine biodiversity areas. The Protect Verde Island Passage (VIP) Network announced that this year’s celebration