Davao City – The three-month closed season ended today as BFAR XI declared open season in Davao gulf. The fishing ban was implemented to protect the spawning of small pelagic fishes in the said gulf from June to August of this year.
Dir. Piloton emphasized that amidst the success of the Closed Season, much must be done in order to safeguard the aquatic resources against abuses. He further said that “the strict application of the law must be balanced with additional livelihood opportunities to the families of fisherfolk to reduce the transgression of the law.”
Meanwhile, DILG XI Assistant Regional Director Abdullah V. Matalam encouraged everyone to report to him those public officials who are uncooperative or hesitant in the implementation of JAO No. 2, series of 2014. He added that DILG will always be supportive of the Department of Agriculture in any way.
Aside from that, Barog Katawhan Multipurpose Cooperative Manager Jerry Dela Cerna shared his two cents on the management of the aquatic resources and the importance of our actions to ensure food security for the generations to come.
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority XI Port Manager, Engr. Albert P. Aguinaldo, extended his congratulations to BFAR and other partner agencies on the seventh year implementation of the Davao Gulf Closed Season. He pledged the continued support of PFDA in the activities geared towards the interest of public service.
Also present during the event were Lt. Eugene G. Flores from the Philippine Navy, RO3 Al-Khamir R. Shale, CDR Adonis P. Añasco from the Philippine Coast Guard. The program continued with the report on the summary of apprehensions during the closed-season by Mr. Rocky Sumagaysay, Senior Aquaculturist.
The implementation of DA-DILG Joint Administrative Order No. 2, s. of 2014, or the Establishment of a Closed-Season in Davao Gulf is now on its seventh year. (BFAR XI PR)