“A Country Surrounded by Waters: Rekindling What We Have Forgotten” by Dr. Deo Onda, Ph.D.

In this session from the Sustainability Talks 2025 held during the BPI Subic Bay Regatta, marine scientist Dr. Deo Florence Onda of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute shares insights on the current state of our oceans, plastic pollution, and the importance of reconnecting Filipinos with the waters that shape our identity as an archipelagic nation. Dr. Onda also introduces the PlastiZen App, a Filipino-developed citizen science tool used to monitor and track plastic pollution along Philippine coastlines. The app was later utilized during the beach cleanup activity conducted as part of the event. This talk explores the role of science, data, and community participation in building long-term solutions for ocean protection and environmental stewardship. The Sustainability Talks is presented by the Subic Sailing Club and the Lighthouse Marina Resort Legacy Foundation, with support from partners across the sustainability, tourism, and maritime sectors. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This recording is shared for educational and informational purposes only. The sustainability space continues to evolve, and some viewpoints, data, or references presented during this session may change over time. The opinions expressed by the speaker are their own and do not necessarily represent the official position of the organizers or partner organizations.