Gov. Ricarte R. Padilla in his quest to stop illegal fishing activity in Camarines Norte, lead the Fisherfolk Dialogue in partnership with the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Because the governor pronounced that a fisherfolk profiling for displaced fishermen will be conducted by OPAG-Fisheries Development Division with assistance from MLGU of costal municipalities. The objective is to classify the fishermen including the family as to the skills they have to be able to link them to an appropriate agency for any training program that will eventually become a potential income generating project for the household. The Fish Registration (FishR), will be the basis of the profiling of fishermen since it is a standardized registry system by BFAR for all fisherfolk nationwide. The fisherfolk proponent group with the interest and potential areas on seaweed culture, fish cage, aquasilviculture and postharvest technology can be supported by BFAR, according to Mr. Ariel Pioquinto, Chief, Fishing Regulations Officer of BFAR5.
Governor Ricarte R. Padilla disclosed that he is now starting to have his mobile information education campaign on caring for the environment. Gov. Padilla mentioned that there are several tools in terms of plans, regulations and laws that regulate the activities of the sea and fishing. However, reports still show of the declining trends of fish catches. Gov. Padilla emphasized that this dialogue is conceived to reach out to the community of his appeal to stop illegal fishing activity as it contributes to the over-exploitation of fisheries resources and constitutes an impediment to the recovery of fish stocks and ecosystems.
Mr. Pioquinto claimed that “isang hamon sa BFAR ang pagpapatupad ng batas pangisdaaan subalit sa inisyatibo ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan sa pangunguna ni Gov. Dong at mga Punong Bayan ng coastal municipalities na katuwang namin, walang imposible”, he added.
Joining the team is the Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Almirante Abad and staffs from the Fisheries Development Division. The dialogue started on August 25, 2022 in Bgy. Calero, Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte and was attended by Punong Barangays, Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (BFARMC) Chairpersons, fishing boat operators together with some crews and fish brokers in the municipality of Jose Panganiban.
The dialogue concludes with the discussion of results achieved and raised challenges for institutions such as, BFAR, Provincial Government, Municipal Government, the community and the society in general with a view of finding better ways and solutions to combat illegal and unregulated fishing and mainly to assist the displaced fishermen.
The Fisherfolk Dialogue of Gov. Dong will continue to reach out other coastal municipalities to improve fisherfolk awareness and participation and also promote sustainable fishery.