The Department of Agriculture will continue to provide livelihood assistance to fishers that will be affected by the implementation of the amended Fisheries Administrative Order 246-1, which bans the use of “hulbot-hulbot” or Danish Seine and modified Danish Seine in Philippine waters.
This was the assurance delivered by Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol to the members and stakeholders of the Iloilo fishery sector during a consultation held at the WESVIARC compound in Iloilo City on July 25, 2018.
The Agri chief further stressed that the government has been putting in place assistance and interventions that seek to uplift the production and income of Filipino fishers, since he assumed office two years ago.
“We encourage you to go into fish cage farming and avail of our credit programs under the Agricultural Credit Policy Council at 6% annual interest,” he said.
“Don’t fret as DA continues to initiate programs and policies to assist fisherfolks in building a stable livelihood as well as establishing alternative livelihood projects,” he added.
According to the Secretary, the DA and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources are pushing for the establishment of ice-making facilities in areas with rich fishing grounds.
“Madami sanang isda, kaya lang hindi hinuhuli kasi walang storage,” Piñol narrated.
Piñol also announced that SEAFDEC in partnership with a US-based company will be establishing a prototype feedmill to address the feed problems in Iloilo and neighboring provinces.
“I don’t fish but I understand your needs,” he said.
According to the Secretary, FAO 246-1 signed on July 5, will be enforced and strictly implemented after July 29.
“For this, I implore for your support and assistance,” he said to the mayors, and representatives from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy present during the dialogue.
Under the amended order, municipal and commercial fishing boats using and in possession of “hulbot-hulbot” are prohibited to operate. The order took effect will take effect after July 29, 2018.
The owner, operator, boat captain, master fisher or recruiter caught violating the order shall be fined the amount equivalent to the value of the fish caught multiplied by five or P2 million, whichever is higher. Meanwhile, fish workers who participated in the use of “hulbot-hulbot” shall pay P20,000 or render community service in case of failure to pay.
Upon conviction, the boat captain, fisherfolk or organizer of fish workers will face imprisonment for two to 10 years plus a fine equivalent to twice the amount of the administrative fine. ### (Oda Rodriguez-AFID / Sheila Torreno-RAFIS 6)
