The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) held a dialogue on Friday and mentioned ongoing dredging and reclamation actions in Manila Bay.
According to Maki Pulido’s report on “24 Oras”, members of the PAMALAKAYA marched to the BFAR workplace in Quezon City and protested towards the actions on the Nicholas Shoal in Cavite which they stated adversely impacted their livelihood.
The dredging and reclamation actions within the space started in 2021 and resulted within the lack of fish harvest. The group stated some fishermen opted to fish in different areas to earn a residing however have been fined P20,000 for supposedly violating ordinances towards unlawful entry.
“Kadalasan ay illegal entry samantalang ang mga China sa West Philippine Sea ay di nahuhuli. Malaya [silang] nakakapangisda,” stated PAMALAKAYA President Fernando Hicap.
(They have been fined for violating unlawful entry however the Chinese within the West Philippine Sea will not be being arrested. They can freely fish there.)
BFAR stated they may coordinate with the Department of Natural and Environment Resources (DENR) to debate the problem. However, it clarified that the DENR by no means consulted them earlier than issuing the environmental influence evaluation for the dredging.
The fisheries company stated it will maintain wider consultations within the province and ask affected fishermen what help they wanted.
“Kinilala ng dalawang grupo na ang isyu po ay may kinalaman din ang mandato ng ibang ahensya,” BFAR Spokesperson Nazario Briguera stated.
(The two teams acknowledged the problem is linked to the mandate of different businesses.)
GMA Integrated News reached out to the DENR for remark however the division has but to reply. — Sundy Locus/DVM, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
