Tugon Kabuhayan has recognized late President Benigno S. Aquino III’s contributions in improving the country’s food security status, particularly the amendment of the Fisheries Code, which strengthened government efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUUF) in the country.
The food advocacy group said it was during Aquino’s leadership that the government gave further importance to the country’s fisheries resource management through “the hiring, training and capacitating the Fisheries Regulatory and Enforcement Office, acquisition of patrol vessels and amendment of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 [RA 8550].”
In a Facebook post, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) remembered Aquino’s administration that enacted Republic Act 10654 or the amended Philippine Fisheries Code to further curtail IUUF in the country.
“To this day, the implementation of RA 10654 continues to bolster the enforcement of fishery laws and regulations and curb Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing in our seas,” BFAR, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, said.
“Together with the whole fishery sector, we are thankful for President Noynoy’s contribution and service to the country,” it added.
Tugon Kabuhayan noted that the goal of the RA 10654 is to “rehabilitate and protect the resource base in order to increase and ensure sustainable production and food security.”
The group added that under the Aquino administration, the “Bangkang Pinoy Program” was implemented, which aimed to replace wooden municipal fishing boats with “safer, sturdier and more modern boats, made of fiberglass.”
“The program was continued by the current administration as ‘FB Pagbabago’ and has since constructed and modernize over 30,000 fiberglass boats all over the country,” it added.
Furthermore, the group said the Aquino administration was also aggressive in the construction of community fish landing centers, equipped with freezers and stainless-steel fish tables, in municipal fish landing sites.
“These are intended to help fisherfolk ensure the safety and preserve the quality of their fish and fishery products. This enables them to sell their produce and catch at better prices,” it said.
“Tugon Kabuhayan draws inspiration from the policies and programs initiated through the leadership of former President Noynoy Aquino, from resource management and protection to law enforcement that would help propel national food security,” the group added.
Image courtesy of Jimbo Albano