The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) outlawed the transport of bamboo poles for aquaculture purposes in Cavite’s aquaculture hubs in a bid to prevent the illegal construction of fish cages and pens.
Sought for reaction, the fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) criticized the move and chided the DENR for the policy, likening it to an act of “economic embargo” targeting small fisherfolk in Cavite province.
DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations and Environment Juan Miguel T. Cuna issued a memorandum dated November 8, 2021, indefinitely suspending the processing and issuance of bamboo transport permits in Bacoor City, Cavite City, Kawit, and Noveleta.
These are known aquaculture hubs in the province of Cavite.
In a news statement, Cuna said the suspension is in light of the need to continuously rehabilitate and restore the marine and coastal ecosystems in Manila Bay pursuant to Section 3 of Administrative Order 16 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea under the authority of President Duterte on February 19, 2019.
“The entry and movement of bamboo for other purposes, including but not limited to construction materials for houses, scaffolding, bridges, fences, and buildings and for furniture shall be allowed,” Cuna said in his memorandum.
Per initial data given by the respective local government units, there are a total of 370 illegal aquaculture structures in Cavite waters: 271 in Cavite City, 97 in Kawit, and 2 in Noveleta. However, per data gathered during the actual marking conducted from September 15 to 22, 2021, a total of 949 structures had been marked: 789 in Cavite City and 160 in Kawit. Most of these structures are made of bamboo.
On November 4, 2021, the Manila Bay Inter-Agency Task Force-Cavite Cluster started the clearing/dismantling of 32 sapras in Cavite City. DENR Calabarzon Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria said that the demolition is part of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program of the DENR.