BACOLOD City – Four local government units (LGUs) in the 3rd District of Negros Occidental have formed the Coastal Resources Management and Development Council that will draft a restoration and conservation network plan for the area.
The partnership was formalized with the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the local chief executives of the cities of Talisay, Silay and Victorias and the municipality of E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental in rites held at the Capitol Social Hall here last week.
Third District Rep. Francisco Benitez, who is also part of the council, said he has filed House Bill No. 3890 to establish a multi-species hatchery under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Talisay City with a releasing station in E.B. Magalona.
He added the hatchery was intended not only for blue crabs, which is abundant in the area but also for the other species so fisherfolk will have an alternative catch during the “close season” for blue crabs.
Considering the critical condition of the coastal resources of the participating LGUs, the council was formed for the restoration and conservation of these resources, and for the maintenance and preservation of sound ecological balance, clean environment, and equitable use of the resources and in giving preferential treatment to marginal fisherfolk.
A chairperson will be elected from among the local chief executives of the participating LGUs, and the others will serve as co-chairpersons. An executive director will sit as ex-officio member.
Based on the Negros Third District Coastal Resources Management and Development Agreement of 2019, the council will prepare a framework plan which shall guide member-LGUs in preparing their respective coastal management plans.
It will also formulate policies that may serve as a guide for the participating LGUs in managing all fishing activities, and other related activities geared towards regeneration and utilization of resources as well as supervise all approved programs and projects proposed in the coastal resource management plan, among other functions and powers.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who sits as the honorary chairperson, lauded the efforts of the mayors and other stakeholders in establishing the council.
“I would like to congratulate the third district on this launching and agreement signing. I wish the council very well,” he said.
The signatory-mayors included Nilo Jesus Antonio Lizares of Talisay City, Mark Golez of Silay City, Francis Frederick Palanca of Victorias City, and Marvin Malacon of E.B. Magalona.
The launching and signing rites were also witnessed by provincial agriculturist Japhet Masculino, BFAR regional director Remia Aparri and Chrisma Salao, vice president of World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines, an organization working with fishery stakeholders in the third district for the sustainability of the blue swimming crabs’ industry.(With a report from PNA/PN)
