SMALL farmers and fisherfolk in Negros Occidental raised concerns on the rampant illegal fishing during the Regionwide Agri-Fishery Consultative Assembly held at the Planta Hotel in Bacolod City on Thursday, July 26.
Florinda Flores, executive assistant of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for the Visayas Hansel Didulo, said participating fisherfolk asked the assistance of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for stricter monitoring and apprehension of illegal fishing operators.
Small fishermen claimed that operations of big fishing boats in the municipal waters are adversely affecting their livelihood.
“Through the consultation, we are bringing these concerns to the attention of the concerned agencies,” Flores said, adding that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is doing its best to address illegal fishing problems, but it also has constraints like limited resources.
The BFAR-Western Visayas also urged Negrense fisherfolk to help by immediately reporting to them illegal fishing activities in their respective areas supported with evidence.
Small fisherfolk further asked the BFAR for construction of more cold storage facilities in the province to preserve the quality of their catch.
During the forum, a representative of a non-government organization also asked the government's measure to ensure food safety of e meat products consumed by the public.
For the Office of the Assistant Secretary for the Visayas (OASV), Flores said they are collaborating with other agencies to ensure strict implementation of policies and regulations relative to compliance with agricultural product safety standards.
“Being the Assistant Secretary for Regulations, Atty. Didulo believes that our problem can actually be addressed and resolved if only we strictly implement the regulatory policies," she added.
Meanwhile, the consultation organized by OASV gathered about 200 farmers and fisherfolk in the province.
The one-day activity also included sessions on Regional Agriculture and Fishery Development Plan, updates on livestock industry, and policies and directions of the DA, among others (With reports from Julie Ann Gonzales, UNO-R Intern)