BACOLOD City – Small fisher leaders from coastal towns and cities of Negros Occidental province were able to obtain the support of Gov. Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson on several pressing issues affecting the sector during a dialogue last week.
The newly-organized Panay-Negros-Guimaras Crab Fishers Alliance (PANEG-CA) and the Negros Occidental Small Fishers Alliance (NOFSFA) called on Lacson to address illegal fishing on local waters, small fishers’ poverty and lack of livelihoods for coastal communities, the need for protection and development of the blue swimming crabs (BSC) industry, the intrusion of illegal marine and black sand mining in coastal areas, lack of fishers participation in local governance especially in fisheries and aquatic resource management councils (FARMCs), and the dire effects of climatic changes in coastal areas.
Lacson vowed to look more deeply into such issues and reassured the small fishers of his support for their struggles for a decent life and sustainable future.
Among the initial points of agreement reached included the strengthened monitoring and enforcement of illegal fishing, review of provincial BSC ordinance including the need for closed season, fostering engagement with local government units and BFAR on FARMC strengthening, and the provision of livelihood support to affected small fishers and their families.
The governor also expressed his support to PANEG-CA which will have its founding regional congress this Dec. 18-19 in Bacolod City.
NOFSFA chair Edwin Espinosa lauded the governor for attending the dialogue despite his busy schedule and for assuring support and openness to their issues.
Also present in the meeting were Office of Provincial Agriculturist head Dr. Dina Genzola, PRRM-Negros staff led by its Area Manager Edwin Balajadia and small fisher leaders from the cities of Sagay, Victorias, Kabankalan and Bacolod and the towns of Hinigaran, Manapla, EB Magalona and Binalbagan.(Hazel Aghon/PRRM-Negros Admin/Finance Staff)/PN
