BFAR dads intensify programs for the fisheries sector

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA) – In time with the regional launching of the Municipal Fisherfolk Registration held recently, the Bureau of Fishereies and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) through its National Director Atty. Asis Perez and Caraga Regional Director Nerio Casil, emphasized that the bureau will continue to intensify its programs for the sector. 

Perez bared that the Philippines is 7th largest fishing country in the world that is why we have to do the best that we can to increase the sector’s capacity and provide them the tools.

Perez further revealed that among all sectors, the fishermen are the poorest of the poor. "Based on the National Statistics Coordination Board, the fishery sector is below poverty line. This is why we really have to give them due attention and help them increase their capacity to improve the quality of their living," he said.

Perez also recognized that it is only during the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III that the budget for the fisheries sector has increased.

Also, Dir. Casil relayed that in 2012, its total fisheries production is amounted to more than P5-Billion with a volume of 93,766.45 metric tons. With a total of six cities and 67 municipalities, the entire region is well poised for more government interventions which will be appropriately created and implemented based on the data gathered through the Fisherfolk Registration (FishR).

Casil said the FishR program aims to fast-track, enhance and complete the municipal fisherfolk registration nationwide as required under the Fisheries Code of 1998. Under the FishR, BFAR seeks to register 63,075 fisherfolk in Caraga region.

Casil stressed that the bureau will work hand in hand with the municipalities and cities in Caraga region's five provinces to complete the registration in their respective areas using a simplified and standard form and FRS data management system. BFAR will also give technical assistance to coastal municipalities and cities in the provinces to facilitate the registration process.

Meanwhile, Casil further emphasized that the local government units in Caraga region has a vital role in the implementation and monitoring of Republic Act 8550, where it is stipulated that fishermen must not use illegal fishing materials such as dynamites in the coastal areas.

This is supported by Atty. Perez by saying that illegal fishing is still the main problem that BFAR is facing today. "We are to implement a system to prevent such eventualities in the coastal areas. The presence of deputized BFAR enforcers in the coastal areas who will strictly monitor the fishermen will hopefully stop illegal fishing activities," he added.

Perez also pointed out that the bureau will not allow that its programs for the sector will be compromised and politicized in the localities. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)