CAMIGUIN (PIA)--In promoting consistency and standardization in fishing practices, the provincial government here held the presentation and comparison of municipal fisheries codes of the province's five towns, May 16, at the New Capitol Building, Mambajao, here. Doing so simplifies the enforcement of regulations and facilitates collaboration among different municipalities, said Dr. Louis Bollozos, committee chair on agriculture. He added that such a system prevents inconsistencies and confusion that could arise from varying fees and regulations in neighboring areas, ensuring fair and equal treatment for fisherfolk. "Ato ning gilantaw kay murag dugay-dugay na gyud ang atong mga fishery code. Ato lang siguro irevisit in order to harmonize atong municipal fishery code," Bollozos said. (We are looking at this because it seems like our fishery codes have been around for a long time. We will probably revisit in order to harmonize our fishery code) As presented during the activity, the current fees for the accreditation of motorized boats or bancas for fishing and transportation include the mayor’s permit, where the towns collect P100 on average, and the rental fee for use of facilities and amenities (P150 for beach umbrellas and P100 for banana beds). The towns also collect fishing license fees that include hook and line (P100), fishing nets (P200), spear fishing (P300), and the gathering of bangus fry and sea cucumber (P500 per year). Aquaculturist II and Provincial Fishery Coordinator Julienne B. Amarillento said the harmonized municipal fisheries code enables effective fisheries management and planning at the provincial level. It will also allow authorities to assess the status of fish stocks, monitor fishing activities, and gather data on catches and fishing effort. To further guide the local government units, representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Philippine Coast Guard also graced the said event. A template was also provided to the participants so they can reflect their ordinances and they are asked provide the final copy, June 6, 2023.
