Fisherfolk from 16 towns forge unified front against illegal fishing

By Jay S. Lim Fisherfolk and local leaders from 16 municipalities around Lamon Bay collaborate on a unified fisheries ordinance to combat IU...

By Jay S. Lim

Fisherfolk and local leaders from 16 municipalities around Lamon Bay collaborate on a unified fisheries ordinance to combat IUUF, with crucial legal guidance from Tanggol Kalikasan. (Jay S. Lim)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - In a powerful demonstration of collective action, fisherfolk and local government representatives from 16 municipalities surrounding Lamon Bay convened for a crucial two-day training workshop aimed at combating the persistent scourge of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF). Held on March 12-13, 2025, under the project "Strengthening Integrated Resources in Coastal Communities in Quezon,"

This initiative drew participants from Polillo, Atimonan, Alabat, Perez, General Nakar, Infanta, Patnanungan, Quezon, Jomalig, Lopez, Real, Burdeos, Gumaca, Panukulan, Calauag, and Mauban. Notably, Plaridel, implemented by the Institute of Social Order, Inc. (ISO) and funded by the European Union, underscores the unified commitment of these coastal communities to address the rapidly dwindling marine resources of Lamon Bay.



A key component of a seven-part capacity-building program, focused on empowering local stakeholders to actively participate in municipal fishery and environmental governance. The workshop directly tackled the widespread concerns regarding the ineffective implementation of Republic Act 10654 (The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended) and existing municipal fisheries ordinances.

Participants from Integrated/Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (I/MFARMCs) and Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAOs) worked together to enhance their technical skills, specifically focusing on drafting a revised Unified Municipal Fisheries Ordinance (UMFO).

Atty. Psyche Tolentino, a staff lawyer from Tanggol Kalikasan, who provided expert guidance and assistance to the participants in the preparation and drafting of the UMFO, facilitated the workshop. Her legal expertise proved invaluable in ensuring the ordinance’s effectiveness and enforceability.

It focused on strengthening the legal foundation for Lamon Bay's protection. Participants gained in-depth knowledge of key legal frameworks, including RA 10654 and the Local Government Code, vital for effective local governance in fisheries management.

A significant outcome was the collaborative drafting of a unified fisheries management ordinance (UMFO) for Lamon Bay. This process, facilitated by Atty. Tolentino ensured the ordinance reflected the combined expertise of fisherfolk and legal professionals.

Participants were equipped with practical skills for advocacy and implementation through capacity building; approximately 45 individuals learned to develop SMART action plans and gained expertise in negotiation, alliance-building, policy advocacy, and ordinance-making, all crucial for the successful enactment and enforcement of the UMFO.

The workshop's training focused on equipping participants with essential legal and advocacy skills. This included a thorough review of fishery laws, particularly RA 10654, practical guidance on ordinance formulation with legal insights from Atty. Tolentino, and clarification of the legal basis for imposing penalties. Participants also learned effective lobbying strategies to advocate for their proposed ordinance.

A core objective of the EU-funded initiative, implemented by ISO, was the empowerment of local stakeholders. This involved providing fisherfolk and local officials with the necessary knowledge and skills to sustainably manage their marine resources.

By combining legal expertise, like that provided by Atty. Tolentino, with capacity building, the project fostered a collaborative approach. This approach aimed to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUUF) fishing and ensure the long-term health and prosperity of Lamon Bay's aquatic resources.

The workshop's outcome is anticipated to be a significant step towards the responsible management, conservation, development, protection, and utilization of Lamon Bay's vital fishery and aquatic resources.