BACOLOD City Councilor Bartolome Orola urged the City Agriculture Office to facilitate with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) the possibility of conducting a fishery law enforcement training for the Bantay Dagat Task Force members of Bacolod City.
Orola, chairperson of the City Council committee on BFAR, said that Bacolod City as one of the coastal cities of the province of Negros, possesses a rich and diverse coastal and aquatic resources.
“Our Bantay Dagat Task Force plays an important role in the implementation and enforcement of our existing fishery laws rules and regulation,” he said.
He added that the Bantay Dagat Task Force needs to boost and enhance the capability of its task force members regularly, through trainings and seminars and to keep them abreast on the latest fishery laws and ordinances and for them to properly fulfil their duties and responsibilities.
Orola noted the expertise and the technical knowhow of various government agencies like the BFAR and Philippine Coastguard are needed to give additional insights to our Bantay Dagat Task Force on the proper implementation of our fishery laws.
“It is imperative that we protect and conserve our marine resources as well as put a stop to the various illegal activities that causes the destruction our marine resources to ensure food security of the city as well as ensure the sustainable use and development of these resources,” Orola said.