The Philippines, being among the top fish-producing countries in the world, has a big potential in effecting positive change that could lead to inclusive growth. That is, if the country’s next top official has the so-called blue agenda in mind.
Panagat, a network of more than 20 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), on Thursday called on Palace bets to include ocean conservation and sustainable fisheries in their electoral platforms in the coming presidential debate at the University of Pangasinan in Dagupan City on April 24 to publicly bare what the fisheries sector can expect from them should they be elected the next highest official of the land.
The Philippines is among the top fish-producing countries in the world, yet, government leaders remain indifferent in providing solutions toward sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation, according to Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president of Oceana Philippines, one of the members of Panagat.
The National Stocks Assessment Program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has reported that 10 out of the 13 major fishing grounds in the country are overfished.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Statistics Authority has stated that fishermen belong to the “poorest of the poor” due to lack of resource access.
“Our way of life is closely connected to the sea. Our leaders must address these pressing issues, and uphold our constitutional right to healthy oceans,” Ramos said.
Other members of the coalition include the NGOs for Fisheries Reform, WWF-Philippines, and Greenpeace. The group will present the “Philippine Blue Agenda for Sustainable Fisheries” during the last leg of the presidential debate.
Panagat is calling for institutional reforms, such as the establishment of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to strengthen government’s regulatory functions and address conflicting policies and overlapping functions among several fishery-related government institutions and agencies.
The blue agenda includes the implementation of fisheries recovery plans, and the establishment of more marine-protected areas to improve fish catch, and preserve areas with a high level of marine biodiversity. It also highlights the need to improve fishery law enforcement and the operation of environmental courts.
“We need to strengthen our institutions, such as enforcement agencies and the courts, to ensure that our environmental rights will not be violated. More importantly, we need to protect our resources so we will have something to leave for the future generation,” Ramos said.