Small fishermen leaders in Negros Occidental obtained the support of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on several pressing issues and concerns affecting their sector.
The newly-organized Panay-Negros-Guimaras Crab Fishers Alliance (PANEG-CA) and the Negros Occidental Small Fishers Alliance (NOFSFA) called on the governor to address lingering issues during a dialogue-meeting held at the Governor’s Office last week.
These include the continuing illegal fishing on local waters, small fishers’ poverty and lack of livelihood for coastal communities, the need for protection and development of the blue swimming crabs (BSC) industry, the intrusion of illegal marine and black sand mining in coastal areas, lack of fishers participation in local governance especially in fisheries and aquatic resource management councils (FARMCs), and the dire effects of climatic changes in coastal areas.
Lacson gave his commitment to look deeper into such issues and reassured the small fishers of his support to their struggles for a decent life and sustainable future.
Among the initial points of agreement reached were to strengthen monitoring and enforcement on illegal fishing, review of provincial BSC ordinance including the need for closed season, foster engagement with local government units and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on FARMC strengthening, and the provision of livelihood support to affected small fishers and their families.
Lacson also expressed his support to PANEG-CA in holding its founding regional congress on Dec. 18 to 19 in Bacolod City.
NOFSFA chair Edwin Espinosa lauded the governor for attending the dialogue despite his busy schedule and for assuring support and openness to their issues.
Also present were Office of Provincial Agriculturist head Dina Genzola, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement-Negros area manager Edwin Balajadia and small fisher leaders from the cities of Sagay, Victorias, Kabankalan and Bacolod and the municipalities of Hinigaran, Manapla, EB Magalona and Binalbagan. ||
