Dagat

Dagat, the Filipino word for sea or ocean, refers to large bodies of saltwater and is widely used in everyday speech, literature, and culture across the Philippines. It denotes the expansive marine environments that surround the archipelago.

Geographically, the dagat around the Philippines is bounded by the Western Pacific Ocean to the east and the South China Sea to the west, with the Philippine Sea and adjacent waters forming part of its expanse. Ecologically, it hosts coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses, and supports fisheries, transportation, and tourism.

Humans rely on the dagat for livelihoods through fishing, coastal trade, and tourism. The sea also features prominently in Filipino culture, history, and cuisine, shaping communities and regional identities along the coastline.

Conservation and management efforts focus on marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries practices, coastal zoning, and disaster preparedness. These measures aim to protect marine ecosystems, reduce vulnerability to natural hazards, and sustain the economic and cultural benefits that communities derive from the dagat. See also: sea, ocean, Philippines.