The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 6 gave a Certificate of Recognition to the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (IPBDTF) during the Fish Conservation Week celebration, on September 16, 2024.
BFAR-6 cited the IPBDTF's dedication and efforts in curbing illegal fishing activities.
On behalf of Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr., Provincial Administrator Raul Banias joined the IPBDTF personnel in receiving the award from BFAR-6 regional director Remia Aparri.
Banias has this posted in his FB account: "Indeed our PBDTF has significantly reduced Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing in Northern Iloilo and in the Visayas Sea. In the year 2024 alone we have apprehended and filed cases in court against 10 Super Hulbots and confiscated their fishing gear. Additionally, we have apprehended several cases of Dynamite Fishing.
Despite this recognition and accolades, and the threats to our lives we will not rest on our laurels. Padayon lang kita sa aton trabaho nga wala sang gina apinan kag wala sing kahadlok. Tumanon gid naton ang panugyan ni Gov Toto Defensor kag ni PD Bayani Razalan nga ma pa hagan hagan kag mauntat ang illegal fishing sa probinsya sang Iloilo.
Pasanyugon pa gid ni Gov Toto ang capability sang aton TF. Ma procure pa kita sang 3 ka dalagko kag madasig nga Patrol Boats kag ipatapos naton ang Resiliency Hub building sa Loong nga mangin headquarters kag barracks sang aton task force. CONGRATULATIONS PBDTF!"