PCSD Resolution 98-116

Republic of the Philippines
PALAWAN COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(R.A. 7611)
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

PCSD RESOLUTION NO. 98-116

A RESOLUTION URGING THE SANGGUNIANG PANALALAWIGAN TO PASS A UNIFORM FISHERIES ORDINANCE FOR THE WHOLE PROVINCE OF PALAWAN

WHEREAS, Sec. 16 of R.A 7611 provides that the governance, implementation and policy direction of the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan shall be exercised by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, hereinafter referred to as the Council;

WHEREAS, Sec. 19 (3) of the same Act empowers the Council to call on any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the government, and on private entities and organizations for cooperation and assistance in the performance of its functions;

WHEREAS, various sectors composed of marginal fishermen as well as indigenous cultural communities have filed formal complaints to the Council regarding rampant illegal fishing activities, proliferation of pearl farms and commercial fishing along the fifteen (15) kilometers scope of municipal waters;

WHEREAS, said activities have adversely affected these groups due to the dangerous and destructive environmental effects of sodium cyanide, dynamite fishing and other illegal fishing methods as well as by prohibiting them to fish near the territorial waters of pearls farms;

WHEREAS, commercial fishing vessels have been competing with the marginal fishermen by operating within the municipal waters using efficient and very effective fishing gears and methods;

WHEREAS, Sec. 468 of R.A. 7160 provides that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan shall enact ordinances, approve resolutions and appropriate funds for the general welfare of the province as well as to protect the environment. Same section also empowers the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to impose appropriate penalties foe acts which endanger the environment such as dynamite fishing and other forms of destructive fishing, acceleration of eutrophication of rivers and lakes or of ecological imbalance;

WHEREAS, Sec. 149 of R.A. 7160 provides that municipalities shall have the exclusive authority to grant fishery privileges in municipal waters, including the licensing of fishing vessels 3 gross tons or less.

NOW THEREFORE, upon motion of Council Member Joselito C. Alisuag during the 54th PCSD Regular Meeting with the unanimous approval of the Council in its 55th PCSD Meeting on January 30, 1998 at the House of Representative, Quezon City;

RESOLVED as it is hereby RESOLVED, that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan pass a uniform fisheries ordinance for the whole province of Palawan to protect its territorial waters from further environmental degradation;

RESOLVED FINALLY, that copies of this resolution be distributed to the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Maritime Industry Authority, the Philippine National Police and other concerned agencies as may be required for their information and appropriate action.