FISHERIES SERVICES GEARS UP THE FORMULATION OF MUNICIPAL FISHERIES ORDINANCES

COTABATO CITY- The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform through its Fisheries Services – Fisheries Resources Management Division has conducted Orientation on the Formulation of Municipal Fisheries Ordinances (MFOs) on October 17-18, 2023.

This is part of the ministry’s mandate to continuously collaborate and strengthen partnerships with the Local Governments Units (LGUs) to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services in conserving and protecting the region’s marine resources.

The main objective of the activity is to ensure the welfare of the fisherfolk in accessing resources for their exclusive use and enjoyment without putting the marine ecosystem at risk and to promote sustainable management of the fisheries resources in general.

During the program proper, a series of topics were discussed, particularly on the fishery-related laws which are vital in the formulation of the MFOs, Executive Orders related to the Registration of Fishing Vessels Three Gross Tons & below, Rules and Regulations in Maritime Safety, Guidelines in the Enactment and Updating of the Municipal/City Fisheries Ordinances of Coastal LGUs including also the Role of LGUs on Coastal Resource Management.

The participants are from the LGUs of Matanog and the City of Cotabato, as well as from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bangsamoro Maritime Industry Authority (BMARINA).

The invited Resource Persons are from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 12: Ms. Marie Ann Finalla, OIC FRMS, Mr. Elgano Yatoy, Jr., OIC VMS, Ms. Jo-Ann Panictican, Training Specialist II, from the PCG is CG ENS Rodie Leo A. Mariñas and Atty. Abubakar A. Katambak, Director II for Water Transportation Services and OIC – Director of BMARINA.

In addition, the two-day activity was successfully carried out with agreed actions and next steps by the LGU participants.