CEBU CITY (Dec. 13, 2023) – The Bantay Dagat Commission (BDC) has urged city fisherfolks to register with the city government.
Retired Lt. Col. Alex Soledad, BDC executive director, said fisherfolks must register in compliance with City Ordinance 2447.
“Dili ra sila, kinahanglan i-rehistro ang ilang fishing gears ug ilang mga pumpboats,” Soledad said during an episode of “Kumusta Ka’Sugbo” over Sugboanon Channel yesterday.
Enacted in 2016, CO 2447 requires fisherfolks to register themselves, their vessels, and gear before the city and provide penalties for non-compliance.
Soledad said the ordinance aims to regulate and organize the city’s fisherfolks, especially those who own boats.
“Tuyo ug tumong nato, for security and safety reasons. Naa man gu’y mga fisherfolks ug pumpboat owners nga gamiton nila ilang sakayan sa illegal, o’ gamiton nila adto sila sa laing lugar para mobuhat og illegal activities,” Soledad said.
“At least, makaila ta kung diin ni gikan ang ilang rehistro. Ug para sad ma-secure sad ni sa atong mga operators ug fisherfolk,” he added.
Soledad said the BDC has visited the city’s coastal barangays to inform fisherfolks about the mandatory registration.
He said that fisherfolks can approach their office to kickstart the registration process.
Soledad said the BDC will provide a license to the fisherman and color-coded stickers for his vessel and gear once he completes the registration process.
Soledad warned that fisherfolks could face penalties if they are caught fishing without a license from the city.
New vessels, equipment needed
Soledad said the BDC will need to acquire new floating assets.
He said the BDC needs a multipurpose vessel and pumpboats to replace those damaged during onslaught of Typhoon Odette.
Soledad said the city needs to fund at least P40 million to acquire the multipurpose vessel and other boats that the BDC requested.
He said he already submitted the proposal to BDC chairman and lawyer Ernesto “Estong” Rama. | PPRMN / jkv
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