Fisherfolk leaders urges Marcos to certify bill creating fisheries dep’t as urgent

THE DAY’S CATCH Fishermen in Masinloc, Zambales, bring home their catch for the day on Sept. 17. Many of them still attempt to fish at the contested Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, locally known as Bajo de Masinloc, despite the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard. —JOANNA ROSE AGLIBOT

MANILA, Philippines — A fisherfolk council formed through a program under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has adopted a resolution urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify a bill aiming to establish a department managing the country’s aquatic resources.

House Bill No. 1977 or the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) Act, which was principally authored by Kabayan Partylist Rep. Ron P. Salo.

“The creation of the DFAR is essential for better management and sustainable development of our aquatic resources. It will significantly improve the livelihoods of our fisherfolk and enhance food security in the Philippines,” Salo said in a statement.

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Citing a study, the lawmaker pointed out that the Philippines ranked eighth globally with a recorded production of 4.26 million metric tons of fish last year.

“Despite the sector’s importance, it faces significant challenges, including a progressive decline in fish catch, overfishing, and the degradation of essential marine habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, and algae beds. These challenges necessitate urgent and focused management and conservation efforts,” the statement reads, citing the Fisherfolk Regional Representatives.

They also emphasized “the need for a dedicated Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to institutionalize science-based methodologies in fisheries management, thereby enhancing productivity, competitiveness, sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness of the sector.”

According to the lawmaker, the fisherfolk council consists of selected leaders nationwide. Every May, the council appoints a national fisherfolk director and 16 regional directors for a month-long term, allowing them “to influence policy and management directly.”

“The Fisherfolk Council intends to immediately submit their resolution to the President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, seeking support for the immediate passage of this vital legislative measure,” Salo said.