Fisheries ordinance gains support

CEBU, Philippines - The proposed Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ordinance of Cebu has gained the support of fishermen and government officials who believe it is very much needed to protect the province’s marine life.

Freddie Baguio, chair of the Pundok sa mga Mananagat sa Cordova, comprised of fisher folk from at least 10 barangays, is hoping for the approval of the proposed ordinance.

Baguio was one of those who attended the public hearing yesterday at the session hall of the Provincial Capitol and moved for the passage of the ordinance saying it is a good move to address the problem of illegal fishing. 

“Kauyon ko ana. Maayo na para ma-confiscate ang mga illegal materials gamiton sa illegal fishing like sa amo na uso ang baling which is maka-damage sa mga sea grass o lusay,” he said. (I am in favor of the ordinance. It would be good to confiscate illegal materials used in illegal fishing like in our place where “baling” (seine) is rampant and it damages the sea grass.)

Baguio hopes for the immediate implementation of such ordinance.

ANAD Rep. Jun Alcover, who was also present during the public hearing, sees the need for such ordinance following a personal encounter with illegal fishing among fisher folk in the northern part of Cebu last Jan. 27.

“Didto ko ka-realize na di na man diay komedya ning problema sa illegal fishing. Wa gyu’y implementation sa balaod,” he said (I realized that the problem of illegal fishing is not a joke. There is no implementation of the law.)

As a member of the Committee on Fisheries in Congress, Alcover said that during the public hearing yesterday, he will take down necessary points particularly from the fisher folk, which will be integrated in the national law.

Currently, Alcover said ANAD organized the ANAD Operation Sea Guardians which will coordinate with the Cebu Provincial Government in its illegal fishing campaign.

He further said that the group will visit coastal municipalities in the province and gather inputs regarding the fishing industry and possible cases of illegal fishing.

Yesterday’s hearing was attended by officials from the fishing sector of the respective local government units in Cebu.

Other attendees were the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Maritime Industry Authority, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation. Inc., Coastal Conservation and Education Incorporation, A2D Project, Project Seahorse Foundation for Marine Conservation and marine biologists.

Principally authored by board member Thadeo Ouano, the proposed measure aims to strengthen and consolidate all ordinances affecting fishing and fisheries to make them more responsive to the needs of the industry.

The proposed ordinance provides for stiffer penalties against those found engaged in illegal fishing and other related activities. — (FREEMAN)