ILOILO CITY (PIA) -- A total of 132 potential fish wardens in Guimaras province completed the training on Fishery Law Enforcement Training (FLET) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 6 in partnership with the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) – Government Environment Facility (GEF).

Per BFAR 6 media release, trained potential fish wardens were mostly "Bantay Dagat" members, fisherfolk leaders, and local government unit (LGU) employees of the five towns of the said island province. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel, LGU officials, and members of the local Philippine National Police also attended the training.

“The FLET will enhance the capabilities of LGUs in exercising their jurisdiction over their municipal waters and equip potential fish wardens in their operations to ensure compliance with fisheries laws and regulations,” he added.

The training was conducted in two sessions - the first session was held on March 15-17 for the participants from the municipalities of Buenavista, Nueva Valencia, and San Lorenzo, while session two was held on March 22-24 for the municipalities of Jordan and Sibunag.

and been deputized, fish wardens are authorized to apprehend fishery law violators within their jurisdiction. 

Meanwhile, PRDP-GEF will provide supplies and equipment such as uniforms, GPS, cameras, life vests, binoculars, megaphones, nautical charts, and plotting materials to law enforcement teams to aid in the sustainability of law enforcement activities in each municipality.

BFAR will provide certificates for those who passed the training while the municipal mayors will deputize their respective fish wardens. (JBG/FRG/PIA6/ Story and photos from BFAR 6 Guimaras Provincial Fisheries Office)