Philippines can go far with DOFAR

Photo from CNN Philippines

FOLLOWING the favorable ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) on the West Philippine Sea, Akbayan Partylist Rep. Tom Villarin filed a bill that will establish the country's Department of Ocean, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources (DOFAR).

"Our fisherfolk are among the most vulnerable sectors in our society but they will benefit the most from the award. We should seize this opportunity and enable our fisherfolk to reap the rewards they long deserve," Villarin said.

Philippine territorial waters cover 2.2 million square kilometers and 18,000 kilometers of coastline. Such vastness made it highly challenging for many previous administrations to protect, manage, and harness the country's marine and aquatic resources to yield equitable gains, particularly for the fisherfolk.
Once House Bill (HB) 1612 is passed, DOFAR will take charge of the management, conservation, development, protection, utilization, and disposition of all fishery and aquatic resources of the country, while allowing local government units to manage their municipal waters in accordance with existing policies.

It will also supervise and regulate the production and capture of fish and fishery products, as well as the processing and marketing of all fisheries and aquatic products in the country.

"It's not enough to teach people how to fish. It's more of ensuring that there is enough fish for generations to catch, sell, and eat," Villarin added.

Another feature of the department is its power to rationalize all ocean sector initiatives such as marine energy exploration and development; coastal and marine tourism; designation of shipping lanes; protected areas; and marine industry development areas.

"Our immense marine and aquatic resources demand a great deal of attention and focus that this bill seeks to offer. With a department that will concentrate solely on this matter, we are optimistic that the current and future administrations will put what is rightfully ours to the best use," the lawmaker stressed.

"Our country can go far with DOFAR," he said.