THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) named Mati City in Davao Oriental as an outstanding coastal community in the region.
BFAR held the awarding of the regional Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) Search for Outstanding Coastal Community on Friday, March 26, 2021.
The MMK search, a banner program of Bfar, aims to recognize outstanding initiatives and contributions of coastal municipalities or cities to sustainable fisheries management.
It also aims to promote fisheries protection and conservation centers on the significance of sustainably managing the fisheries and aquatic resources and promotes stakeholder's engagement in the cause of resource protection and conservation.
One of its goals is to recognize outstanding initiatives and contributions of coastal municipalities/cities to sustainable fisheries management.
The contest has five general criteria: no illegal fishing, observance of the closed fishing season, the establishment of marine protected areas, clean coastal waters without domestic and industrial wastes, and effective mangrove protection and rehabilitation program.
Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat received the P2-million cheque and plaque of recognition from BFAR during the awarding ceremony.
According to the mayor, the winning prize will be used for the continuing mangrove protection in Guang-Guang Mangrove Park and additional budget for the fisherfolks in Mati.
“This award recognizes our perseverance for fisheries protection and conservation and managing our aquatic resources. Next stop, nationals,” she said.
With or without an award, Rabat said the city government remains committed to protecting the environment.
"Because the Mati City would not be where we are now without these abundant marine resources," she added.
Mati will automatically vie for the national level competition of MMK this year.
Meanwhile, the municipality of San Isidro, also in Davao Oriental, won second place and received P1 million plus plaque of recognition, and the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) in Davao del Norte, won third place with P500,000 cheque and plaque of recognition.
Tagum City and Municipality of Lupon also received a plaque of recognition for winning 4th and 5th place, respectively.