Umaasa si KABAYAN Party-list Representative Ron Salo na maisasabatas na ang panukalang lilikha ng Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR).
Aniya, mula pa noong 13th Congress hanggang ngayong 19th Congress ay maraming mambabatas na ang nagsusulong para sa pagtatatag ng DFAR.
Ngunit dahil na rin sa isa ito sa priority measure ng Kamara ay tiyak aniya na uusad na ang panukala.
“After several attempts in the past on the creation of a department specifically focused on developing our fisheries and aquatic resources, I am confident that we are nearer its realization in this Congress. It was highlighted as a priority measure of the House in a recent pronouncement by Speaker Martin Romualdez. This support from the House Leadership will certainly provide the needed momentum in facilitating the passage of this measure,” ani Salo.
Magsisilbing vice-chairperson ng binuong technical working group ngayong 19th Congress si Salo para sa naturang panukla.
Sa ilalim ng kaniyang House Bill 1977, itatayo ang DFAR upang mas mabigyan ng atensyon ang industriya ng pangingisda
“While the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources under the Department of Agriculture currently holds responsibility for marine and aquatic resources, the department’s focus leans primarily toward land-based agriculture, leaving the blue economy and its vast potential relatively untapped,” sabi pa ni Salo
Punto ng kinatawan na mula sa pagiging 4th place noong 1985, bumaba ang Pilipinas sa 12th rank nitong 2022 pagdating sa aquaculture production.
“Our country is a nation of over 7,100 islands with a sprawling coastline that stretches across 36,289 kilometers. Fishing is deeply woven into the fabric of our society, providing employment and nourishment to millions. As of May 2022, this industry employs approximately 1.4 million Filipino fishing operators nationwide. Yet, as we assess the global trends in aquaculture production, it is evident that the Philippines’ position has diminished from 4th place in 1985 to 12th place in 2022. The Philippines now contributes just over one percent of global farmed fish production compared to its original share of five percent,” punto ng mambabatas. | ulat ni Kathleen Forbes
Photo: WWF
