PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Saturday, September 23, 2023, that the government will not impose a fishing ban, clarifying his recent statement on the matter in a bid to address overfishing and boost the country’s fish population.
"In an interview with reporters in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Marcos said there would be no fishing ban, only fishing restrictions, especially in breeding areas, to ensure an abundant supply of fish in the Philippines and to safeguard the income of fishermen.
“Hindi maganda ang pagkapaliwanag ko. Hindi fishing ban ang pinag-usapan ko. Ang sinasabi ko, kung saan ‘yung breeding area ng isda, huwag tayong mangingisda doon para dumami ‘yung isda,” the President said.
(My explanation wasn't clear. I didn't talk about a fishing ban. What I'm saying is, in the breeding areas of fish, we shouldn't fish there to allow the fish to multiply.)
"Pero walang fishing ban. Hindi naman — walang hanapbuhay ang tao. Padadamihin nga natin ‘yung isda. Dahil kausap ko kanina ‘yung mga mangingisda, sabi nila talagang nabawasan na ‘yung huli nila,” he added.
(But there's no fishing ban. After all, people depend on it for their livelihood. We actually want to increase the fish population. Because I spoke with the fishermen earlier, and they said that their catch has indeed decreased.)
Under Republic Act No. 10654, or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, the fishing season for certain kinds of fish in specific waters at different times of the year shall be imposed. (SunStar Philippines)