PaNaGaT Network Celebrates the 20th National Fisherfolk Day, Milestones in Promoting Sustainable Fisheries
June 2020
The Pangingisda Natin Gawing Tama (PaNaGaT) Network held an online event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of National Fisherfolk Day on the 31st of May. Photograph © WWF-Philippines
On the 31st of May 2020, the Pangingisda Natin Gawing Tama (PaNaGaT) Network held an online event to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the National Fisherfolk Day and to showcase the gains the country has made in protecting the fisheries of the Philippines.
The PaNaGaT Network is a coalition of CSOs and NGOs dedicated to the protection of marine resources in the Philippines. The network advocates for sustainable fish stocks, healthy ecosystems, equitable supply chains, and effective management in the conservation of the countries’ fisheries. The network also lent its talents behind the implementing rules and regulations stipulated in the amended Fisheries Code.
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines has been a part of the PaNaGaT Network since it was founded back on the 20th of October 2015.
WWF-Philippines Project Manager Joann Binondo discusses the progress made under RA 10654, as well as the gaps that continue to persist despite the amendments that were made to the Fisheries Code five years ago. Photograph © WWF-Philippines
May 31st was declared as National Fisherfolk Day under Presidential Proclamation 261 series of 2000, which was given under the Estrada administration 20 years ago. The fisheries code of the Philippines, meanwhile, was amended through Republic Act 10654 under the Aquino administration five years ago. RA 10654, also referred to as “An Act to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing,” clarifies definitions of illegal fishing and outlaws its practice in the country.
“Since 10654, many provisions have helped our fishers. The key, however, is in implementation. National agencies and local governments are key to this,” said Tambuyog Development Center Executive Director Dinna Umengan. The PaNaGaT Network has worked with both the public and private sector in pursuit of comprehensive efforts to protect and rehabilitate the countries’ fisheries.
A message of support was delivered by Atty. Benjamin Tabios on behalf of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Director Eduardo Gongona. Gongona requested for the support of the private sector towards the efforts of BFAR in helping uplift the countries’ fisheries in the face of the ongoing pandemic.
WWF-Philippines Project Manager for Sustainable Tuna Partnerships, Joann Binondo, pointed out the many gains that had been achieved under the recently amended Fisheries Code, while acknowledging the gaps that still remain in spite of the changes that were made. Binondo also stressed the importance of having an effective catch documentation and traceability system. This is to help plug gaps in the regulation and management of the countries’ fisheries.
The establishment of the Department of Fisheries is key as well, added Binondo, in order to give a platform for the concerns of small-scale fishermen.
“We in the network, working in communities across the country where our projects are based, hope that we can work together so that our fishing communities can become resilient and can be secure with their food, no matter the crises we are faced with,” said Binondo.
GLTFFI President Antenogenes Reaso extends his thanks to the PaNaGaT Network and to BFAR for their support toward municipal fishers and the protection of the countries’ fisheries. Photograph © WWF-Philippines
Messages of support were delivered by Hon. Leo Rafael M. Cueva, Representative of the 2nd District of Negros Occidental, Hon. Joselito Aguirre Ojeda, Mayor of Mulanay, Quezon, Hon. Ithamar P. Espinosa, Mayor of Santa Fe, Cebu, as well as representatives from Fisher Organizations and Municipal Fishery and Aquatic Resources Management Councils that have worked hand-in-hand with the PaNaGaT Network.
“I am confident that with harmonized operational efforts between and among alliances, IUU fishing in municipal waters will be prevented, and the livelihood of fisherfolk will be secured,” said the Gulf of Lagonoy Tuna Fishers Federation, Inc. President Antenogenes Reaso. Reaso also thanked BFAR for the passing of RA 10654 five years ago.
An award was presented to the member organizations of the PaNaGaT Network, in recognition of their efforts to protect the countries’ fisheries and the livelihoods of municipal fishers.
An award was presented to the PaNaGat Network in recognition of their help in defending the rights of municipal fishermen. The Network has pursued numerous projects and comprehensive strategies to uplift the fisheries of the Philippines. Photograph © WWF-Philippines
“We would like to salute fishermen and their families, and all those connected with the fishing industry in the Bicol region and throughout the country, for their heroic efforts and contributions to the Philippine food basket and reducing hunger and poverty in the Philippines,” added Reaso.
Through government policy and the help of the private sector, and with the guidance of the PaNaGaT Network, the Philippines has made great strides toward the prosperity of the countries’ fisheries. There are many gaps that must be addressed to ensure the sustainability of the marine resources of the Philippines – but the country is headed in the right direction. Journey with WWF-Philippines and the PaNaGaT Network as we #ChangeTheEnding for the Philippines’ fisheries.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Joann Binondo
Sustainable Tuna Partnerships Project Manager
jbinondo@wwf.org.ph
For media arrangements, please contact:
Ms. Pam Luber
Integrated Communications Manager
pluber@wwf.org.ph
