BY GLENDA TAYONA
CAPIZ – The Capiz provincial government is taking steps to protect its coastal areas from illegal fishing.
Recently, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Environment and Natural Resources headed by Board Member Jose Fulgencio “Pepe” Del Rosario held a committee hearing on the proposed ordinance relative to the management and protection of the province’s coastal resources and its implementation.
To form part of the proposed ordinance is the establishment of the province’s own Bantay Dagat Task Force.
The move is one of the initiatives of the administration of Gov. Fredenil “Oto” Castro following reports on the presence of fishermen from nearby provinces such as Northern Iloilo, Cebu, Masbate, and Aklan fishing in Capiz’s territorial waters.
The Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (CAPENRO) also received reports from some non-government organizations regarding illegal fishing activities in some municipalities in the province.
According to CAPENRO Consultant Glenn Beup, the proposed measures are aimed at helping coastal municipalities, especially in the campaign against illegal fishing operations.
At the next hearing, the committee will gather the local government units for discussions and inputs on the proposed ordinance. (With a report from Capiz Prov’t Gov’t Communication Group)/PN
