‘Galunggong’ ban up in Palawan

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has revived the ban on catching galunggong (round scad, Decapterrus genus) in some areas in southern Palawan for three months that will last until Jan. 31, 2017.

Elizer S. Salilig, acting regional director of BFAR-MIMAROPA (Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), said the new directive is based on Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 1, series of 2015 issued by the Departments of Agriculture (DA) and of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

JAO No. 1 specifically prohibits the catching of galunggong for three months starting November 1 and applies to commercial fishing vessels or those vessels with cargo-carrying capacity of 3.01 gross tons and up.

Salilig said the ban does not apply to municipal waters or those within 15 kilometers from shore.

TREE OF HOPE — The 50foot ‘Singkaban’ Christmas Tree of Bulacan is lighted up in front of the Capitol Building in Malolos City, giving hope and cheer to onlookers this Yuletide season. The ceremonial switch-on last Tuesday is led by (from left) Board...