THE Municipal Government of Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur bagged the P2 million prize after winning first place in the regional level 2021 search for the most outstanding coastal municipality of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The search is known as the Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) program of BFAR.

Isidro Velayo Jr., BFAR regional director, handed over the MMK prize in a ceremony last week to engineer James Yecyec, Pitogo municipal mayor.

Velayo said the municipality of Pitogo won the first place as it met the criteria of the program.

Velayo also commended the farmers and fisherfolk for their remarkable contribution to the country's campaign on food security, especially at the height of the pandemic.

"The farmers and fisherfolk are considered our heroes," Velayo said.

Meanwhile, a ceremonial distribution of 71 marine engines was also done, together with the distribution of life vests for the Bantay Dagat of Pitogo.

The 71 marine engines also served as a prize when the municipality won first runner-up in the 2020 MMK.

Yecyec commended his constituents whose cooperation paved way for the Municipal Government to achieve such accolade.

Yecyec acknowledged the efforts of the law enforcement agencies, such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which became their partners in combating the illegal fishing activities in the municipality.

The MMK is a program of BFAR that gives recognition and incentives to outstanding coastal communities for their efforts in sustainable resources and fisheries management.

The program employs a community-driven approach to the cause of resource protection and conservation. (SunStar Zamboanga)