MARIA, Siquijor (PIA) -- The coastal town of Maria in Siquijor will start enforcing an ordinance mandating a monthly three-day fishing holiday in municipal waters.
Ordinance No. 2023-002, which was enacted on September 25, 2023, took effect on January 31, 2024.
The ordinance declares a three-day fishing holiday within the municipal waters and seashore of Maria town on the day before, during, and after the onset of the new moon.
Local fisherfolks are prohibited from engaging in fishing activities and gleaning during the three-day period.
The ordinance will penalize violators with up to P2,500 in fines and up to 60 days of imprisonment.
The municipal agriculturist office will confiscate their fishing gears and paraphernalia while their case is pending litigation.
Fish and other marine species caught by violators will be confiscated and donated to charities or indigent families in the municipality.
The ordinance was enacted in line with the government’s food security program by protecting vulnerable fish species during the spawning season and allowing them to breed and reproduce.
“Ganahan ta nga dili lang kita nga henerasyon ang makatagamtam niining tanan kon dili ang ato pang umaabot nga henerasyon. So this is very good nga ato na gyung iimplementar ang fishing holiday,” said Maria Mayor Roselyn T. Asok.
(Translation: We hope that our future generations could also benefit from the bounty of our seas. So it is good that we are implementing this fishing holiday.)
Maria Mayor Roselyn Asok giving her message during the launching of the Municipal Fishing Holiday Ordinance to promote sustainable fishing and marine conservation in the municipality. (PIA Siquijor)
For the future
Ordon Ibcay, a fisherman from Maria town, said he sees the fishing holiday ordinance as one way to help secure his children’s future.
“Uyon gyud ko sa maong balaod kay kini alang sa kaugmaon sa atong mga kabataan,” said Ibcay.
(Translation: I fully support this ordinance as it is for the future of our children.)
He also promised to support the law by helping ensure that no other fisherfolk in his town will violate the fishing ban.
“Ang ako lamang gyud pud nga ikatabang mao ang pagbantay pud sa kadagatan nga wala gyuy managat anang mga panahona,” said Ibcay.
(Translation: The best thing I can do to support this ordinance is to also help guard the municipal waters to make sure that nobody will violate the fishing holiday.)
A fisherman in Maria receives a bag of rice from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) during the launching of the Municipal Fishing Holiday Ordinance in Maria, Siquijor. (Photo from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Maria, Siquijor)
Public hearings
Provincial Agriculturist Emigdio P. Coritico urged the barangay captains in Maria to be actively involved in enforcing the ordinance to ensure that the fishing holiday is strictly followed in their areas.
“Ang mga barangay captains mao ang pinaka-focal persons nga magbantay sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka jurisdiction. Unta ila kining depensahan kay mao kini ang panahon nga mo-spawn ang atong mga kaisdaan,” said Coritico.
(Translation: The barangay captains are the focal persons in this campaign. Hopefully, they will protect the areas from illegal fishing activities as this is the time when fish and other marine resources spawn and reproduce.)
Prior to its implementation, a series of public hearings were held in the 22 barangays with the fishermen’s groups and other stakeholders to discuss the ordinance, said Daryl Pasco, Maria senior aquaculturist.
“Hopefully this ordinance addresses our intention to help protect our remaining fish stocks and other marine resources,” said Pasco.
According to municipal agriculturist Danilo T. Casalta, the ordinance is a big step in boosting the town’s fishing industry and sea conservation efforts.
“Today we are not just launching an ordinance, we are launching a new era for our fishery industry. An era of sustainable practices, balanced growth, and enhanced livelihoods for our fishermen,” he said. (RAC/PIA7-Siquijor with reports from Maria LGU)
