Aurora Representative Juan Edgardo Angara. Joseph Vidal/PRIB
MANILA, Philippines — Aurora Representative Juan Edgardo Angara has expressed support for the government’s plan of looking into opportunities from the Benham Rise which the United Nations has recently declared as part of Philippine territory.
He said he would move for the immediate approval of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) budget next year at the House appropriations committee, as this will hasten the move to study opportunities from the 13-million-hectare continental shelf off the coast of Aurora and Isabela provinces.
The lawmaker said there was nothing wrong in studying what Benham Rise had to offer and backed a BFAR initiative to explore and evaluate the area.
“I believe in opportunities, in possibilities. These are the things that we must not fail to capitalize and to take advantage of. If there will be legislations that would be needed and required in the future, count me in, I will help,” he said.
The Benham Rise is not only home for deep-water fish such as blue fin tuna but is also believed to be rich in natural gas and minerals.
Angara said an in-depth study would allow the government to map out a comprehensive plan on how to effectively utilize the Benham Rise.
Asked to comment on reports that foreign fishermen were allegedly poaching in waters off Benham Rise, the lawmaker said it was important for the country to protect its territory and urged the Philippine Navy to beef up its surveillance in the area so “no foreign vessels, commercial or otherwise are trespassing within our legal territory.”.
He also called on the Philippine Coast Guard to keep a tight watch on the submerged landmass and report all activities in the area to the government.