AGRI Party-list Rep. Manoy Wilbert Lee welcomed the plan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to build eight new marine scientific stations across different regions in the country, as he renewed his call for the immediate passage of a bill to safeguard national sovereignty and the livelihood of fisherfolk.
In the forum “Women in the Maritime Space: Securing the Future of the Indo-Pacific through Strategic Collaboration,” Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo Loyzaga said that the plan includes upgrading the Tubbataha Reef Ranger Station and the Snake Island Station in Palawan.
According to reports, the DENR will also establish new research stations in Pag-asa Island, located in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), and in the Verde Island Passage.
AGRI also urged anew both chambers of Congress to immediately convene the bicameral conference committee and finalize the provisions of the House and Senate versions of the Blue Economy Act.
“We laud this initiative of the DENR, and we hope that it will come to fruition in the soonest possible time. This is aligned and complements our call for the urgent passage of our proposed measure to protect our maritime resources and maximize opportunities and livelihood for our fisherfolk,” AGRI Party-list, which is running for reelection in the 2025 National and Local Elections, said.
Under House Bill No. 9011 or the “Fishing Shelters and Ports Act,” which AGRI principally authored, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), in coordination with the Department of National Defense (DND), DENR and other relevant government agencies, shall establish fishing shelters and ports in nine occupied maritime features in the WPS and the Philippine Rise.
The fishing shelters and ports to be established in the islands of Pag-asa, Lawak, Kota, Likas, Parola, Panata, Patag, Rizal Reef, and Ayungin Shoal will serve as safe spots for fishermen to take refuge from foreign militia or unforeseen circumstances, a place where they can rest, store gears and supplies, as well as access communication devices.
AGRI also urged anew both chambers of Congress to immediately convene the bicameral conference committee and finalize the provisions of the House and Senate versions of the Blue Economy Act.
The said Blue Economy measure seeks to protect our oceans and exclusive economic zones and enhance its contribution to sustainable livelihood and development of fishing communities.
“Sa mga panukalang batas nating ito, kasabay ng pagprotekta sa ating mga yamang tubig, mapapaunlad natin ang produksyon at kakayahan ng ating mga mangingisda—ang ating mga ‘food security soldiers’, para mapataas ang kanilang kita, na siya namang magpaparami ng supply at magpapababa ng presyo sa merkado,” AGRI Party-list, principal author of the House version of the Blue Economy Act, said.
“The wealth of our maritime resources should be protected and enhanced, along with the livelihood of our fishermen who play a vital role in achieving food security. It is the government’s responsibility to support them and protect their rights to improve their livelihood and the welfare of our nation,” it added.
