The Balanga City LGU garnered the highest score in the Fisheries Compliance Audit (FishCA) National Validation, which aims to reinforce the responsibilities and assess the compliance of LGUs to the Philippine Fisheries Code.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently awarded the city government of Balanga, Bataan a P1-million cash incentive for its “exemplary practices” in the rehabilitation and preservation of Manila Bay.
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said the Balanga City LGU garnered the highest score in the Fisheries Compliance Audit (FishCA) National Validation, which aims to reinforce the responsibilities and assess the compliance of LGUs to the Philippine Fisheries Code and promote greater LGU accountability to the priority measures of the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Master Plan.
The master plan includes strategic boosting of fish biomass and conscientious restoration of a healthy and vibrant natural habitat and ecosystem.
Other LGUs that ranked high among the 34 coastal LGUs in Regions III, IV-A, and National Capital Region (NCR) -- covered by the Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program (MBCRPP) -- during the regional validation include Orion and Samal in Bataan; Sasmuan, Pampanga; and Navotas City.
“Tunay na kahanga-hanga ang limang LGUs na ito na nagpamalas ng matino, mahusay at maaasahang pangangalaga ng kanilang nasasakupang municipal waters na malaking bagay at tulong sa rehabilitation at preservation ng Manila Bay watershed area na bahagi ng kani-kanilang hurisdiksyon,” Año said.
The secretary said it is important to highlight the vital role of coastal LGUs in the Manila Bay watershed area in the management of municipal waters especially the remaining resources, which serve various ecological benefits for communities.
He added that Manila Bay continues to be a major source of food or fishery products to wet markets in various LGUs, a source of livelihood to the fishing communities, and a home for marine species.
The LGUs were assessed based on the following indicators: the existence of a Municipal/City Fisheries Ordinance localizing the features in the amended Philippine Fisheries Code; adherence to coastal zoning policies; regulation or policies contributing to fish stock replenishment; initiatives on documenting fish catch, fishing effort and/or other similar activities to assess fish stock or biomass; and, policy and initiatives to combat or prevent aquatic pollution, among others.
Tags: #DepartmentOfInteriorandLocalGovernment, #ManilaBay, #ManilaBayCleanup, #BalangaCity