5 governors adopt framework to save Visayan Sea

By Cindy Ferrer

PROTECTING VISAYAN SEA. Governors of provinces covering Visayan Sea sign a covenant adopting a framework for the conservation, protection and restoration of the Visayan Sea on Friday (September 28, 2018) (Photo by Jezza Nepomuceno)

ILOILO CITY - The governors of Iloilo, Capiz, Negros Occidental, Masbate, and Cebu on Friday signed a covenant of commitment to adopt a framework for the conservation, protection and restoration of the Visayan Sea fisheries management area.

The signing of the commitment highlighted the 10th Visayas Sea Governors Summit held at the Sheridan Boutique Resort in Oton, Iloilo.

The covenant was signed by governors Arthur Defensor Sr. of Iloilo, Antonio del Rosario of Capiz, and Alfredo Marañon of Negros Occidental. Governors Hilario Davide III of Cebu and Antonio Kho of Masbate were represented by their respective provincial environment and natural resources officers.

The framework, dubbed “Ecosystems Approach to Fisheries Management”, was drafted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 6 (Western Visayas).

In a media interview, BFAR-6 Director Remia Aparri said the adoption of the framework signals the full commitment of the governors to support their efforts to manage the Visayan Sea.

“We have very good governance to support all implementation towards sustainability for the social well-being of all the stakeholders who are dependent on the Visayan Sea,” she said.

During the summit Aparri presented the three priority goals of the framework, as follows: to restore the fishery resources and rehabilitate habitats of the Visayan Sea; sustain livelihoods, both fishery- and non-fishery-related, through enhanced capacities and equitable access to available resources; and establish efficient and effective governance structure with improved fishery law compliance and enforcement that addresses socioeconomic security and ecological integrity.

Del Rosario said joining the summit for the first time would greatly help them in protecting their fishery resources.

Capiz, known to be the “seafood capital of the Philippines”, produces volumes of fish and seafood yearly that are exported to other parts of the world. It is beset by illegal fishing activities.

“That is why our fish is depleting because of the illegal fishing boats coming to our area,” he said, adding that he is looking forward to the sharing of initiatives with other governors to protect the marine resources of the Visayan Sea.

Iloilo’s Defensor earlier said the summit is their continuing effort to save the Visayan sea and restore its rich fishing grounds that have been lost, by boosting their efforts against illegal fishing.

Meanwhile, the summit has also become a venue to recognize 22 individuals considered as environmental champions through the “Pasasalamat sa Katauhan” awarding ceremony.

Among them were Iloilo provincial administrator Raul Banias for marine conservation, coastal governance and marine enforcement; Maria Aimee Sobrevega for marine conservation; architect Alfredo and Mrs. Vida Sy for the Bikeable City Movement in Iloilo City; and Emma Caballero for environment education.