Marine Environmental Protection Group Eastern Visayas

19/10/2026

𝐌𝐄𝐏 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐏 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐕𝐀𝐃𝐌 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐋 𝐀. 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐂𝐆 𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 31𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃

The Marine Environmental Protection Group Eastern Visayas (MEPG EV) extends its warmest congratulations to VADM ROMMEL A SUPANGAN PCG on his assumption as the 31st Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard.

May your leadership continue to inspire dedication, strengthen the organization, and guide the PCG in fulfilling its mission to serve and protect the Filipino people and the nation's maritime environment.

𝐌𝐄𝐏𝐂𝐎𝐌 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐕𝐀𝐃𝐌 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐋 𝐀 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐂𝐆 𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝟑𝟏𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃

The Marine Environmental Protection Command (MEPCOM) proudly extends its heartfelt congratulations to 𝐕𝐀𝐃𝐌 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐋 𝐀 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐂𝐆 on his assumption as the 𝟑𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝 (𝐏𝐂𝐆) today, 19 October 2026.

This historic milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter in the PCG’s continuing legacy of service to the nation. As 𝐕𝐀𝐃𝐌 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐂𝐆 assumes the helm of the organization, he carries the responsibility of leading the men and women of the PCG in upholding maritime safety, protecting the marine environment, and safeguarding the country’s maritime interests.

For MEPCOM, this occasion holds special significance as VADM SUPANGAN also serves as its Commander. His appointment to the highest leadership position in the PCG brings pride to the Command as it looks forward to contributing to the service’s continued growth, modernization, and operational excellence.

As the PCG turns a new page in its history, MEPCOM stands firmly committed to supporting the leadership of 𝐕𝐀𝐃𝐌 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐂𝐆 and advancing the PCG’s mission of protecting the Filipino people, preserving the marine environment, and upholding the nation’s sovereignty across its maritime domain.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐕𝐀𝐃𝐌 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐋 𝐀 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐂𝐆, 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞. 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫, 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐤𝐚-𝟑𝟏 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝!
𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝!





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14/10/2026

𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐙𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐌 𝐎𝐅 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆

𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐖𝐈 | The 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 – 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬 successfully facilitated the strengthening of institutional partnership between the 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝, through 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬 (CGDEV), and 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 (VSU) through the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held today at Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte.

The MOU was signed by CAPT ALVIN B DAGALEA PCG, Commander of Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas, representing the Philippine Coast Guard; and Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, President of Visayas State University.

The ceremonial signing marked a significant step in fostering collaboration between the two institutions, establishing a framework for cooperation in marine environmental protection, conservation, research, and development.

The event was witnessed by key university officials and personnel from Coast Guard Station Western Leyte, Marine Environmental Protection Unit Western Leyte, and Coast Guard Substation Baybay.

This partnership establishes the shared commitment of VSU and the PCG to strengthening institutional linkages and advancing collaborative initiatives in line with their respective mandates. Through this agreement, both institutions aim to promote knowledge exchange, coordinate environmental protection efforts, and pursue joint initiatives that support marine ecosystem conservation and sustainable resource management, ultimately contributing to the well-being of the communities they serve.

06/10/2026

𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐖𝐈 | The Marine Environmental Protection Unit Northern Samar, in coordination with the Coast Guard Sub-Station San Jose (CGSS San Jose), successfully conducted an Information Drive for the Grade 7 students of St. Anthony Academy of Mondragon, Northern Samar, Inc.

The activity focused on disaster preparedness and contingency measures for typhoons, storm surges, landslides, and flooding; oil spill awareness and response; the Philippine Coast Guard's role in Marine Environmental Protection; and Ecological Solid Waste Management.

Through the activity, the students gained greater awareness of disaster preparedness, environmental protection, proper waste management, and appropriate response measures during emergencies and oil spill incidents. The Marine Environmental Protection Unit Northern Samar remains committed to strengthening environmental awareness and preparedness through continuous Information and Education Campaign (IEC) activities in schools and communities.

29/09/2026

LANTAWI| The Marine Environmental Protection Unit Northern Samar together with Coast Guard Sub-Station San Jose, successfully conducted an Information Drive for the students of St. Joseph Academy of San Jose, Northern Samar, Inc. last 28 September 2026. The activity provided discussions on disaster preparedness and contingency measures, the Philippine Coast Guard’s role in Marine Environmental Protection (MEP), Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM), and Oil Spill Response and Awareness this 29 September 2026.

The students gained increased awareness and understanding of proper preparedness and appropriate response measures during typhoons, storm surges, landslides, and flooding. They also developed a better understanding of their role in marine environmental protection and appreciate the Philippine Coast Guard’s initiatives towards promotion of marine life conservation.

The activity is part of the intensifying environmental protection efforts of Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas through its Marine Environmental Protection Eastern Visayas in line with the PCG's Blue Economy drive.

27/09/2026

𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐖𝐈│The Marine Environmental Protection Unit (MEPU) Biliran together with Coast Guard Station Biliran, conducted a full vessel inspection to MV Eastern Camiguin at Naval Port as part of its continuing efforts to ensure compliance of Philippine registered vessels with marine environmental laws, pollution prevention measures, and maritime safety regulations.

The inspection involved verification for the availability and operational readiness of the vessel's Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) materials and equipment. It that the required oil spill response materials were properly maintained and readily available for immediate deployment in the event of a marine pollution incident.

Likewise, a thorough examination was conducted of the vessel's engine room to assess operational safety, pollution prevention measures, and compliance with environmental protection standards. Special attention was given to machinery spaces, oil handling practices, and overall housekeeping conditions onboard.

In addition, personnel inspected the vessel's garbage management system to ensure compliance with the provisions of MARPOL 73/78 Annex V. The team verified that garbage onboard was properly segregated, stored, and managed according to established waste management procedures aimed at preventing marine pollution.

Furthermore, the inspection included the review of all pertinent documents, certificates, and records relating to MARPOL compliance, including pollution prevention documentation and logbooks.

The activity is done regularly to every vessel calling to port within area of responsibility as part of the functions of the Marine Environmental Protection Group Eastern Visayas through its Marine Environmental Protection Units such as MEPU Biliran as a longstanding commitment to PCG’s Blue Economy obligation.

25/09/2026

MULTI-AGENCY INITIATIVE ADVANCES MARINE CONSERVATION IN BILIRAN

LANTAWI | The Marine Environmental Protection Unit (MEPU) Biliran successfully completed another significant mangrove planting activity at Sitio Banderahan, Barangay Caraycaray, Naval, Biliran on September 25, 2026.

The initiative was made possible through the unwavering support of Coast Guard Station (CGS) Biliran, Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Naval, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and the 1108th Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) Squadron. With all hands in the mud, the combined effort saw the planting of around two hundred (200) propagules within the designated site.

Integrated into the Philippine Coast Guard’s Intensified Community Assistance Awareness Response and Enforcement (iCARE) Program, Maritime Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA MO) 2026 commitments, and Task Force Ingat Yamang Dagat (TIYD) initiatives, the project sought to rehabilitate degraded coastal environments, promote marine biodiversity, and fortify natural shoreline defenses.

This initiative highlights the ongoing dedication of Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas and the Marine Environmental Protection Group Eastern Visayas (MEPG EV).

23/09/2026

MEPG EV EXTENDS CORAL REEFS PRESERVATION EFFORTS AT LILOAN, SOUTHERN LEYTE

In a united effort to protect and restore marine ecosystems, personnel of the Marine Environmental Protection Group Eastern Visayas (MEPG EV), Coast Guard Station South Eastern Leyte (CGS SEL), together with members of the Dap-ag Boys, Lukas Dive Shop, Southern Leyte State University-Bontoc Campus and the Local Government Unit of Liloan, successfully conducted a Crown-of-Thorns Seastar Removal Activity within the harbor waters of Liloan, Southern Leyte on 22 September 2026.

The activity forms part of the Pre-Anniversary Activities in celebration of the 15th Anniversary of Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas, highlighting the intensifying commitment of the Philippine Coast Guard to protect, conserve, and restore the region’s marine and coastal resources.

The extraction of Crown-of-Thorns Seastars (COTS) is an important reef conservation measure when their populations become unusually high. While COTS are naturally occurring members of coral reef ecosystems, excessive numbers can place significant pressure on coral communities because they feed on living coral tissue. Their removal in affected areas helps reduce predation pressure and gives coral colonies an opportunity to recover and thrive.

Following the COTS removal activity, the participants also engaged in a coral gardening activity, contributing to the restoration and rehabilitation of coral reef habitats. Through coral gardening, healthy coral fragments are propagated and eventually transplanted to suitable reef areas, helping enhance coral cover and support marine biodiversity.

More than an environmental activity, this initiative demonstrates the importance of strong collaboration among government agencies, local communities, dive groups, and environmental organizations in protecting our shared marine resources.



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19/09/2026

𝑴𝑬𝑷𝑮𝑹𝑶𝑼𝑷 𝑬𝑨𝑺𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑵 𝑽𝑰𝑺𝑨𝒀𝑨𝑺 𝑱𝑶𝑰𝑵 𝑯𝑨𝑵𝑫𝑺 𝑭𝑶𝑹 𝑺𝑰𝑴𝑼𝑳𝑻𝑨𝑵𝑬𝑶𝑼𝑺 𝑰𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑵𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑨𝑳 𝑪𝑶𝑨𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑳 𝑪𝑳𝑬𝑨𝑵𝑼𝑷

𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐖𝐈 | The Marine Environmental Protection Group Eastern Visayas (MEPG EV) through its ten (10) different Marine Environmental Protection Units (MEPU) together with Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas (CGDEV) Stations participated in the simultaneous celebration of International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day 2026 throughout various coastal communities of Region VIII this September 19, 2026.

From different coastlines across the islands of Leyte and Samar, Coast Guard personnel, local government units, partner agencies, volunteers, and residents worked side by side to clean scattered garbage and secure for proper disposal.

More than simply picking up wastes, the activity was a reminder that protecting our seas is a responsibility that belongs to everyone. Every piece of plastic, bottle, and other waste removed from the shoreline represents one less threat to marine life and coastal communities.

The simultaneous conduct of the cleanup also strengthened the commitment of the Philippine Coast Guard to work closely with communities and partner organizations in protecting the country's marine environment. Through activities such as this, the Coast Guard continues to promote environmental awareness and encourage everyone to take an active role in keeping our seas and coastal areas clean.

The International Coastal Cleanup is observed around the world to raise awareness about marine litter and encourage people to take action in protecting the oceans. In Eastern Visayas, the participation of Coast Guard units and their partners reflects a shared commitment to preserving the region's rich coastal and marine resources.

The initiative showed that together, we can make a difference with one shoreline, one community, and one cleanup at a time.

18/09/2026

𝑴𝑨𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑬 𝑬𝑵𝑽𝑰𝑹𝑶𝑵𝑴𝑬𝑵𝑻𝑨𝑳 𝑷𝑹𝑶𝑻𝑬𝑪𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑺 𝑨𝑻 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑮𝑹𝑨𝑺𝑺𝑹𝑶𝑶𝑻𝑺

𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐖𝐈 | Through the combined efforts of the Marine Environmental Protection Unit (MEPU) Biliran and of the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Naval, another meaningful community engagement was successfully conducted among the coastal residents of Barangay Agpangi, Naval, Biliran on 18 September 2026.

The activity formed part of the PCG's Intensified Community Assistance Awareness Response and Enforcement (iCARE) Program, focusing on Solid Waste Management Information Education Campaign (IEC) and Marine Environmental Protection Awareness. The engagement aimed to promote proper and responsible waste management, strengthen awareness of marine environmental protection, and encourage community participation in safeguarding our coastal and marine resources.

More than information dissemination, the activity emphasizes that effective marine environmental protection and enforcement begin at the grassroots level. By bringing environmental awareness, assistance, and enforcement closer to coastal communities, the PCG strengthens its partnership with the people who are at the forefront of protecting our marine environment.

This initiative reflects the continuing commitment of Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas, through the Marine Environmental Protection Group Eastern Visayas (MEPG EV) and its Coast Guard Stations and Sub-Stations, to strengthen community participation and inter-agency collaboration in advancing sustainable marine conservation throughout Eastern Visayas.

17/05/2026

𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙎𝙚𝙖🌊

𝐋 𝐀 𝐍 𝐓 𝐀 𝐖 𝐈: The 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬 under the leadership of 𝐋𝐓𝐉𝐆 𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐄𝐋 𝐏 𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐎 𝐏𝐂𝐆 successfully conducted a simultaneous coastal clean-up and mangrove planting activity last 15–16 May 2026. These activities served as a Marine Environmental Protection Command (𝐌𝐄𝐏𝐂𝐎𝐌) pre-anniversary initiative, showcasing MEP Group-EV's dedication to preserving marine ecosystems across the region.

The activity took place in multiple coastal areas within Eastern Visayas, where volunteers, partner agencies, and local communities joined forces. Together, they cleared debris from shorelines and planted mangroves, reinforcing natural defenses against erosion and climate impacts while creating healthier habitats for marine life.

This collective effort highlighted the importance of collaboration between environmental advocates, uniformed services, and residents. By working hand in hand, participants demonstrated that protecting our seas is not just an organizational mission but a shared responsibility that strengthens community bonds.

Mangrove planting and coastal clean-ups are more than symbolic gestures they are practical steps toward sustainability. These actions help restore biodiversity, safeguard livelihoods, and ensure that future generations inherit a cleaner, more resilient environment.