LOCAL GOVERNMENT units (LGUs) are the guardians of their communities’ natural resources, especially in coastal provinces like Iloilo where fishing sustains thousands of families. With the Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing commercial fishing vessels within the 15-kilometer municipal water zone, the role of LGUs in protecting marine resources has never been more important.
For decades, Iloilo’s coastal municipalities have worked to preserve their fisheries through local ordinances, marine protected areas, and Bantay Dagat programs. These efforts, rooted in local knowledge and direct engagement with fisherfolk, have been crucial in maintaining sustainable fish stocks and preventing destructive practices. However, the Supreme Court’s decision undermines these initiatives, taking away the authority of LGUs to regulate their own waters and opening the door to large-scale commercial fishing operations that threaten ecological balance.
The Iloilo provincial government, under Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., has taken a strong stand against the ruling, consolidating opposition papers from municipalities, fisherfolk groups, and advocacy organizations. Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias rightly called this decision a blow to local autonomy, pointing out how it disregards years of efforts by Iloilo’s coastal LGUs to manage marine resources sustainably.
Without strong local governance, municipal waters could be subjected to overfishing, the destruction of coral reefs, and the depletion of fish stocks — outcomes that will hurt small-scale fisherfolk the most. This is why LGUs must be empowered, not weakened, in fisheries management. They understand the needs of their communities better than national agencies and are best positioned to enforce regulations that balance economic activity with environmental conservation.
The Bantay Dagat program, which has been instrumental in Iloilo’s fight against illegal fishing, is one example of how LGUs have taken vigorous measures to protect municipal waters. Despite limited resources, these local enforcers patrol coastal areas to prevent destructive practices such as dynamite fishing and the use of fine-mesh nets. However, with commercial vessels now allowed in municipal waters, the effectiveness of these initiatives is at risk.
Empowering LGUs means giving them the authority to manage their coastal zones based on science, sustainability, and social equity. The Supreme Court’s ruling challenges this, but it should not deter local officials from continuing to advocate for their right to govern their marine resources. The Iloilo provincial government’s move to appeal the decision must be supported, and coastal municipalities must remain united in asserting their jurisdiction over their waters.
National policies should reinforce, not override, local efforts to sustain marine resources. If we are to ensure the future of Iloilo’s fisheries, we must recognize that the best stewards of our seas are the communities that depend on them the most. LGUs must continue to fight for their rightful role in managing municipal waters, not just for today’s fisherfolk but for future generations who deserve to inherit a thriving and sustainable marine environment.
