By Stephanie Sevillano | Philippine News Agency
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Wednesday maintained that Filipino fishers will continue fishing over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite China’s imposition of a unilateral fishing ban in the area.
In an interview, BFAR Spokesperson Nazario Briguera echoed the stance of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) insisting that only the Philippines has the right to implement policies over the country’s territorial waters.
“Walang dapat pumigil sa ating mga mangingisda na maglayag sa West Philippine Sea. Hindi tayo patitinag sa sinasabi nilang fishing ban, kasi unang una, walang legal na basehan,” Briguera said.
He said the Philippines will only recognize its own closed fishing season over its waters, which is implemented every Nov. 1 to Jan. 31, and assured that the government will continue its programs, presence, and assistance in support of Filipino fishers in the WPS.
“Napakahalaga po ng West Philippine Sea kung kaya gano’n na lang ang pagsusumikap natin na likas-kayang malinang ito ng Pilipinas at hindi ang mga banyaga na walang karapatan dito sa mga katubigang ito,” he said.
To date, 385,000 Filipino fishers are benefiting from the WPS according to the National Municipal Fisherfolk registration.
The fish production in WPS alone is equivalent to 11.87% of the Philippine marine capture fisheries.
Meanwhile, Briguera said BFAR is closely monitoring the price of galunggong (round scad) amid the reported price spike following the onslaught of Typhoon #AghonPH.
He said the price of galunggong rose from P200 per kilogram to P240, which may be attributed to the slimming supply due to delayed unloading.
“We expect kapag wala nang masamang panahon na babalik na ito sa dating presyo,” Briguera said.
The Department of Agriculture – Bantay Presyo had reported that the prevailing price range of local round scad in Metro Manila is at P160/kg – P280/kg as of Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Mr. Briguera assured a stable aquaculture supply despite the effects of Aghon.
To date, the BFAR reported around P1 million worth of damage in the sector, particularly in the Bicol Region.