NEGROS Occidental has potential areas that can advance to the national search for cleanest coastal villages and towns, an official of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said.
BFAR Western Visayas Assistant Regional Director Carlito Delfin, who also heads BFAR-Negros Occidental, said they are considering cities of Sipalay and San Carlos as strong contenders.
Delfin cited the cities' strong initiatives on marine protected area conservation and protection, including the active implementation of the solid waste management program.
Last October 17, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol launched the Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK), a nationwide program to stop illegal fishing and promote clean and sustainable fishing grounds.
Under the MMK Program, coastal communities will compete for the P20 million cash incentives to be given to local government units (LGUs) and communities that have implemented marine protection initiatives.
These measures include successful campaign against illegal fishing, declared and protected marine sanctuary, three-month closed fishing season where fishermen allow the fish to spawn and multiply, clean coastal waters without floating garbage or plastic wrappers, and well-maintained and protected mangrove area.
"This is a very good program of the new administration that will further motivate as well as challenge Negrenses to become stewards of their rich marine resources," Delfin said, adding that even without the prize, people in the province still have the obligation, especially the LGUs, to implement necessary protection measures.
Piñol, in his Facebook post, said that in conceptualizing the initiative, he took the inspiration from the successful "Clean and Green" program that chooses the cleanest and greenest towns and provinces all over the country.
"The program is expected to ensure sustainable fishing in all parts of the country and put an end to illegal fishing," he added.
Winning communities will receive cash awards intended for livelihood programs in a ceremony to be held at the Malacañang in December.
Delfin said the regional line agency has already sent communications to the provinces through their respective provincial fishery officers.
BFAR will also further announce the objective and mechanics competition in Thursday's meeting on bottom-up budgeting projects at the L'Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City.