Manila, May 29 -- The world must see the Philippines not as a victim, but as a leader in ocean protection, Senator Loren Legarda said Thursday, as she urged urgent local action ahead of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France on June 9-13.

Speaking at the "Daluyong ng Pagbabago: Adaptation and Resilience for Our Oceans" forum in Pandan, Antique, Legarda rallied local governments, fisherfolk, scientists, and youth advocates to help turn international commitments into tangible results, warning that time is running out to reverse marine degradation.

"Our seas are not just a backdrop -- they are our lifeline. We must act decisively and lead by example," she said.

Legarda said that while the Philippines is a signatory to global...