OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)—As partners of the fishing industry in the region, the Misamis Occidental Fishing Boat Association (MOFBA) initiated a consultative meeting with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-10 and the Local Government of Oroquieta City in the Costa del Sol Resort.

The association of fishing boat owners led by MOFBA President Joseph Entia expressed their issues and concerns, primarily about the regulations of their fishing operation and the validity of their labor force's registration in the FishR system.

"Only through discussions like this, we concentrate on tackling our concerns regarding the fishery law as commercial fishing boat operators here in Misamis Occidental. Our intentions are solely focused on improving the livelihoods of our fishermen and ensuring food sufficiency while protecting our resources," Entia explained.

The dialogue mainly highlighted the association’s plea for a revision of Republic Act (RA) 10654, or the amended Fisheries Code, which states that commercial fishing boats should fish over 15 kilometers from the coastline.

BFAR-10 Regional Director, Teodoro Bacolod, Jr., urged MOFBA to make the resolution appropriate for their needs and consistently work with the local government for the call to action.

"I challenge you to think of sustainability and not greed. Unlike farmers, who had to sow in order to reap, fishermen simply fish."You didn't invest in the fish you caught in our seas," Bacolod challenged the fishing boat operators.

In the meantime, the director instructed the association’s secretariat and the LGU to harmonize to craft project proposals on cold storage facilities and a fish port with the MOFBA as beneficiary operators.

He also promised to assist marginalized fishermen, including their commercial boat laborers.

"All I ask is your commitment to take charge of what is appropriately yours and be transparent when we ask for a record of your catch. We need those numbers to measure our regional fisheries' production and yield," implored the director.

In addition, Oroquieta City Mayor Lemuel Meyrick Acosta agreed with the regional director's remarks and pledged to devote full attention to the fishing community.

"I’m glad that we have had this chance to discuss very salient points about your needs. Yet we also need to consider other small fisherfolk, our aquamarine resources, and a lot more. This is just the beginning, so help me in helping you uplift your lives without compromising other factors," Acosta said. (BFAR10/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)