Fisherfolk: Pampanga River polluted

MACABEBE, Pampanga -- Some residents here, whose main source of living is fishing, said that fishpond operators in Pampanga are discharging contaminants at the Pampanga River.

Pepito Lagman, a resident in one of the coastal barangays in this town, said: "Wala naman tayong gustong siraan pero yung mga may ari ng fishpond na nagpapakain ng feeds sa kanilang mga isda ay naglalabas ng tubig na may halong chemical mula sa kanilang pinapakain. Apektado kasi ang ani dahil sa chemical na nakakain ng mga isda sa labas ng mga fishponds."

Lagman said adverse effects could be avoided if the fishpond owners and operators would be responsible in the conduct of their business.

"Dapat i-require silang magkaroon ng septic tank para doon na lamang nila ilabas yung tubig mula sa kanilang mga fishpond. Parehong makikinabang ang kalikasan at ang mga taong umaasa lamang sa biyaya ng kailugan," he added.

Another fisherman here shared that before, they have been able to catch several kilos of fish in just three hours at Pampanga River, which is enough to feed his family for a day.

"Pero ngayon konti na lamang ang nakukuha kahit buong araw kapang mangisda," the fisherman stated.

Lagman has suggested that the municipal government should regulate the conduct of doing fishing business in the locality to ensure that the welfare of residents is not compromised.