- + we cannot afford to go to war
- + we do not need to antagonize other claimant countries
- + we can bring other claimant-countries together in cooperation to reserve resources for the future
- + we can initiate an international marine park for peace
Our country is very rich not just with mineral or even petroleum resources but also is the heart of marine biodiversity on earth. This explains the frequent sightings of gentle giants like whale sharks, blue whales, dolphins and several other marine species very near our littoral municipalities or villages. The gentle giants are our basic indicators of the health of our seas, because they eat the same food (planktons) as the small fishes and so on.
If we start those offshore petroleum wells, we will expose our seas and commit the same mistakes as advanced nations.
Why not invest in more sustainable alternative energy sources which are less harmful to the environment?
Fishstock is rapidly declining and we all know the negative impacts of using petroleum.
Declaring this an international marine reserve and nature park will ensure future generations more food.
Dear Mr. President,
I respectfully reiterate the ideas of Mr. Antonio Oposa Jr to consider his alternative solution in dealing with the West Philippine sea (a.k.a South China Sea). These are elaborated in his open letter published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on 12 May 2012 (http://opinion.inquirer.net/28587/open-letter-to-aquino).
I know deep in your heart you understand that war is not the answer to this issue and that we have more than one peaceful means of resolving it.
I pray you choose a bold win-win solution. I sincerely hope you consider initiating an international marine reserve and nature park for peace in the disputed sea. For such an action will surely be cherised not just by Filipinos but other nations as well, from our generation to the succeding ones.
Thank you very much!
Sincerely,
Bryan Mendoza
