Solon says amending fisheries code will empower PH fishing industry
At A Glance
- Amending the fisheries code will allow the local fishing industry to contribute more to economic development and food security, Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee said.
AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee (Facebook)
Amending the fisheries code will allow the local fishing industry to contribute more to economic development and food security.
Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee underscored this during the 6th National Sardines Industry Congress and Trade Exhibit held over the weekend in Zamboanga City.
Lee noted that the Philippines is in need of a “responsive” fisheries code that can generate employment.
"We must first consider revisiting our fisheries code so that it can empower the industry's stakeholders. I-consult natin ang industry leaders, at mga fisherfolk NGO (non-government organizations)—lahat ng may maiaambag para maiayos ang fisheries code natin,” he said.
(Let's consult the industry leaders and fisherfolk NGOs—everyone who can contribute to fix our fisheries code.)
"Kung lumago ang fishing industry, lilikha ito ng maraming trabaho at mas lalaki ang fisheries output, na makakatulong naman sa food security," the solon added.
(If the fishing industry grows, it will create more jobs and increase fisheries output, which in turn will help food security.)
During the same event, Lee said the fishing industry should welcome the appointment of the new Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
Laurel replaced President Marcos himself in running the DA.
“For the first time, meron tayong DA Secretary na galing sa industriya ninyo,” the lawmaker said.
(For the first time, we have a DA Secretary who comes from your industry.)
"The knowledge and experience he has in growing his company should be a great asset for the department, one that the fishing industry can tap," said Lee, who was also a businessman before entering public service.
Before his appointment, Laurel headed the Frabelle Fishing Corporation, a deep-sea fishing company known for its specialization in fresh, frozen, and processed seafood.
The pro-agriculture solon said that he is open to creating a fisheries agency that's separate from the DA so that "it can really focus on maximizing the potential of our fisherfolk and our fishing companies". --Dexter Barro II