Bigger bancas allowed to fish in municipal waters

Fisherfolk in Cebu Province with bancas of four to eight gross tons are now allowed to fish within the 10.5 to 15-kilometer radius from the shorelines of any local government units (LGUs).

This was agreed during the meeting by fisherfolk and officials of different government agencies the other day, which was called by Rep. Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu, fourth district).

Salimbangon said the meeting was attended by more than 1,000 fisherfolk from Santander to Danbantayan and Bantayan Island, officials of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Police, Department of Agriculture and Rep. Gwen Garcia (Cebu, third district).

Apprehended

Salimbangon, former head of the House’s committee on fisheries, said he received complaints that fishermen who own bancas of four to eight gross tons are being apprehended for fishing within the 15-kilometer radius of municipal waters.

He cited the Local Government Code of 1991, which provides that only fisherfolk with bancas of three gross tons are allowed to fish within the said areas.

Salimbangon said the new agreement will be good for the fisherfolk.

However, he said that they must be accredited by the LGUs first and the LGUs should pass an ordinance allowing them to fish within 10.5 to 15-kilometer radius from the shorelines. /

I will file a bill to amend the law but that is the best way in the meantime. REP. BENHUR SALIMBANGON

Cebu, fourth district