Small fishermen seek help

CEBU, Philippines - A group of small-scale fishermen from Tangke, Talisay City calling themselves Nagpakabana nga Mananagat sa Tangke yesterday questioned Fishermen Sea and Ecological Care's lack of action upon the phasing out of the large commercial fisheries in the waters of the city.

In Tuesday's session of the City Council, members of NAMASTA gathered at the session hall to express their long-time problem on large-scale commercial fishing in the area.

NAMASTA Vice President Virgelio Oca pleaded to the Council their catch has gradually decreased with the presence of large commercial fishers around.  He said the continuity of illegal fishing had also greatly affected their source of income.

Oca said the city mayor previously signed an agreement with them to solve this issue, but until now it has remained unattended.

Rosalie Corticio, NAMASTA representative, said the issue had been brought to the provincial government and was acted upon.  However, not all the time could the province monitor the activity, so she contested FISECA's lack of involvement in addressing the issue.

FISECA, which is under the supervision of the Committee on Environmental Protection, Wildlife Ecology and Natural Resources Management, functions as Talisay City's Bantay Dagat unit.

City Councilor Doroteo Emit earlier proposed to abolish the FISECA since it has allegedly become idle.

In yesterday's session, City Councilors Antonio Bacaltos Jr. and Val Ylanan drafted resolutions allocating funds to FISECA and P500,000 in budget for purchase of patrol boats that will be used in apprehending the large-scale commercial fisheries and illegal fishers in Talisay waters.