The Provincial Government of Iloilo continues to intensify its efforts in protecting coastal and marine resources through strengthened Coastal and Marine Resources Management (CMRM) and enhanced fishery law enforcement strategies.
Dr. Raul N. Banias, Provincial Administrator, together with Atty. Caesar Emmanuel Buyco, PGDH-PGENRO; Felina Grace Basco, Acting PGDH-PAGRO; and Fisheries Staff Jacqueline Sim and Josette Agravante, met with key officials of OCEANA Philippines — Atty. Liza Eisma-Osorio, Acting Vice President and Senior Director for Campaigns, Legal and Policy, and Atty. Ma. Nikka Andrea Oquias, Environmental Lawyer and Marine Protected Area Campaign Lead to discuss collaborative initiatives aimed at safeguarding the province's fisheries resources.
The discussion highlighted the importance of Vessel Monitoring (VM) data accessible through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). This system provides critical information to fishery law enforcement teams in tracking commercial fishing vessels that illegally encroach into municipal waters reserved for small-scale and artisanal fisherfolk.
OCEANA Philippines likewise shared updates regarding ongoing legal efforts involving commercial fishing companies seeking permission to operate within municipal waters — areas legally designated for the exclusive use of municipal fisherfolk under the jurisdiction of local government units.
To further strengthen monitoring and surveillance operations, Dr. Banias subsequently submitted a formal request for BFAR Region 6 to share Vessel Monitoring data with the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force. This data is expected to significantly enhance the province's capability to detect, monitor, and apprehend illegal fishing activities within Iloilo's municipal waters.
The Provincial Government of Iloilo remains committed to sustainable fisheries management and the protection of marine ecosystems, recognizing the vital role of coastal resources in ensuring food security and supporting the livelihoods of fisherfolk communities across the province.
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