By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Cynthia Villar remains steadfast in her commitment to safeguarding the fisheries industry, ensuring both food security and sustainable livelihoods for fishermen.
“Fishing activities must be managed in a manner that mitigates adverse effects on fish stocks and ecosystems,” Villar emphasized during the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 3rd Fisheries Management Area Summit in Cebu City.
Villar underscored the importance of collaborative efforts, stating that BFAR requires support from local communities, and expertise from various government agencies, regional organizations, and NGOs to effectively manage the intricate marine ecosystems that sustain fisheries.
One of Villar’s notable contributions is her advocacy for the passage of Republic Act 10654, amending RA 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998), enacted on February 27, 2015. The amended law imposes stricter penalties for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF).
“The amended law prohibits the fishing, capture, trade, and transportation of aquatic species listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES),” Villar highlighted.
(el Anigo/MNM)
