Partylist group pushes for reefs preservation

CEBU, Philippines - A partylist group is pushing for the preservation of the country's natural reefs and is seeking help for the fishing industry from the national government.

"In all the years of its existence, the Alliance believed that the private sector involved in the Fishery Industry has been largely ignored and left on its own by the national government as it barely received any support or incentives," read the statement of the All Fish Partylist.

In a press conference at Alpha City Suites yesterday, the group alleged that major regulations were undertaken "without real and meaningful consultations with stakeholders."

The group said despite the fishing industry's contribution to the country's gross national product, they only have a "bureau" (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) to help them instead of a separate department.

All Fish is duly accredited by the Commission on Elections as a partylist group. In 2014, the fishing industry has contributed P12.6 billion of the country's GDP.

The group aims to upgrade fishing standards "with great emphasis on sustainable growth and quality production," achieve worldwide market competitiveness, promote protection and preservation of aquatic resources, acquire equipment and maintain facilities in accordance with new methods of fishing, and disseminate new fishing technology information to its members.

The group’s first nominee is lawyer Arnold Naval, a consultant of Inter-Island Deep Sea Fishing; second is Peter Paul Santos, who is a member of the Board of Directors of Alliance of Philippine Fishing Federations, Inc.

The third and fourth nominees are Edgar Lim, a plant operations executive, and Atty. Jacqueline Anne Borres-Yao. The group’s fifth nominee is Leonida Jusay. — (FREEMAN)