The Department of the Interior and Local Government-National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) met with officials of coastal communities in Metro Manila and discussed guidelines on local fishing regulations.
The local communities include those in Las Piñas City, Manila, Navotas City, Parañaque City and Pasay City.
Through the Manila Bay Clean-up Rehabilitation and Preservation Program – Regional Program Management Team (MBCRP-PMT), the DILG and select fisherfolks from the concerned local government units (LGUs) had a dialogue on the intricacies of the Republic Act (RA) 8550, or the “The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.’’
“The fisherfolks were joined by representatives from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), Department of the Environment and Natural Resources – NCR (DENR – NCR), Philippine National Police (PNP)- Maritime Group, and the Philippine Coast Guard-Maritime Industry Authority (PCG-MARINA),’’ the DILG-NCR noted.
Jason Boholano of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-NCR presented an overview of RA 8550 as amended by RA 10654, followed by a forum on the Fisheries Code.
In the meeting, the multi-sectoral group also tackled issues pertaining to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023-012 or the “Guidelines in the Enactment and/or Updating of the Municipal/City Fisheries Ordinance of Coastal Local Government Units.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-NCR’s representative Justin de Ramos provided updates on the National Guidelines for the Coastal Resource Management Plan (CRMP) and the integration of CRMP in the Comprehensive Development Plan and Comprehensive Land Use Plan of local jurisdictions.
For her part, Lt. Lorna L. Sison of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group discussed the roles and responsibilities of Fishery Law Enforcement Officers and the requirements and processes imposed by law enforcement agencies.
A dialogue between the fisherfolks and the government fisheries bodies also discussed issues relevant to fisheries management, such as: the integration of the Coastal Resource Management Plan in the Comprehensive Development Plan and coastal laws implemented by enforcement agencies.
“The Philippine Coast Guard MARINA also shared relevant information concerning their operations with LGUs and the fisherfolk. The activity served as a platform to explore viable solutions to the many challenges facing fisherfolks in the coastal areas of NCR,’’ the DILG continued.