Fishfiles bfar 66years by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources DA BFAR

The DA-BFAR Magazine

Volume 2 No. 2 Second Quarter 2013

ISH ILES

The Official Publication of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

Contents

BFAR at its Peak at 66 Program Outstanding BFAR Employees Gawad Pasasalamat Mabuhay Loyalty Awardee Human Resources Develpement Program MuSEAka/SEAnema Likhang Kabataan Para sa Yamang Pangisdaan Government steps up efforts to contain Knife Fish in Laguna De Baâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i Ways to save, ways to loan! Organic Aquaculture Panabo mariculture park propels income of women fisherfolk National Payao Program Deployment of Shallow-water Payao along Bondoc Peninsula, Outer Lamon Bay and Northern Polilio Coastal Municipalities Mangingisdang Direktor: Tribute at its Best for Filipino Fisherfolk FishR Program: An Efficient Entry-Point of Blessings for Fishers New FAO Aquaescapade

ADVISORY BOARD Atty. Asis G. Perez Director

Drusila Esther E. Bayate Asst. Director for Technical Services

Atty. Benjamin F.S. Tabios, Jr. Asst. Director for Administrative Services

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief: Nazario Briguera Writers/Junior Editors: Kaye Kirsteen Mendoza Kristine May Borbon, Crisel Marcelo and Anna Leigh Villanueva Lay-out and Design: Michelle B. Suva Graphics: Joel Emmanuel A. Manalo and Randy Emmanuel D. dela Cruz Circulation: Glaiza Hernandez, Jennifer Turallo and Jovencio Rulloda, Jr. Photography: J. Manalo, M. Suva and Regional Information Officers Regional Advisers/ Regional Directors

Lilibeth Signey Nestor D. Domenden Jovita P. Ayson Remedios E. Ongtangco Esmeralda Paz D. Manalang Ruben J. Jardin Dennis V. del Socorro Drusila Esther E. Bayate Andres M. Bojos Juan D. Albaladejo Ahadulla S. Sajili Visa T. Dimerin Fatima M. Idris Ambutong K. Pautong Nerio G. Casil Janice D. Musali

Regional Information Officers

Paul Joseph Nuval Remely Lachica / Francis Greg Buccat Max Prudencio Lanie Lamyong Merlinna Fontanilla / Richard Escudero Ronaldo Canabe / Kathleen Ann Hilotin Janice Ragur / Joel Abalayan Alma Saavedra Gesselle Zeta / Jimmy Salamida Pilar Ilagan Noel Saldajeno / Clifford Reyes Enrica Patricia Araullo Omar Sabal Jesieca Babatid Farhana Usman The Fish files magazine is published by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and distributed free of charge to interested individuals and institutions associated with fisheries and aquatic resources. You may send contributions to: The Editor, Fish Files Magazine PCA Compound, Elliptical Road, Diliman Quezon City Email: dabfar_iprg@yahoo.com

EDITOR’s NOTE BFAR at its Peak at 66 The honor goes to the active and retired officials and employees of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on its 66th Founding Anniversary. This rare event is a great opportunity of celebrating their steadfast loyalty and faith in the Almighty that they have continuously shown in the performance of duties and responsibilities as professional and competent public servants belonging to a premier government agency whose main mandate is to manage the country’s vast fisheries and aquatic resources. The pride of BFAR as an organization stems out from the fact that inspite of the waves of challenges it faced for the past sixty-six years, the organization has been able to lead the whole Philippine Fisheries Industry into new frontiers of development. Today, the country takes pride for its standing as the 5th largest producer of fish of the world. Moreover, the fishing industry accounts for 18.6% of the Gross Value Added in the Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry Sector at constant prices giving the largest share next to agricultural crops. On its 66th Founding Anniversary, the men and women of BFAR celebrate these achievements and gains with gratitude to God, to its past and present leaders and to themselves as well. Nevertheless, they must preserve the gains and sustain the efforts as they face more challenges ahead of them, and continue working to move closer to the fulfillment of the organization’s mandates. The theme: “BFAR at its Peak at 66” does not mean reaching the apex and resting on the laurels of achievements. This milestone could be just the rebirth of new and incessant ardor to pursue further in realizing the vision of the organization. This could also mean opening doors for new innovations and giving ways to changes that could usher in a more dynamic operational management. Finally, reaching the peak is an opportunity to have a large vista of the organization’s working environment. It is a chance to reflect and assess if the sail of programs and projects is indeed heading to the right ground of success. After all, the true gauge for BFAR in reaching its peak is the difference it would make to those fisherfolk who have less in life, off the distant fishing communities.

“BFAR at its Peak at 66”

PROGRAM

1 July 2013 - PCA Covered Court 8:00 AM Flag Raising Ceremony 9:00 AM Thanksgiving Mass

Opening of 2-day Trade Fair Exhibit

10:00-12:00 NN Cooking Demo Post Harvest Technology Division 4:00 PM Opening Program Welcome Remarks Atty. Asis G. Perez Director Video Showing BFAR Institutional Video by IPRG Presentation of the Awardees Outstanding BFAR Employees Length of Service Launching of the MuSEAka/SEAnema Likhang Kabataan Para sa Yamang Pangisdaan MTV and Short Documentary Competition for High School and College Students Gawad Pasasalamat Mabuhay Retired and Retiring Officials and Employees Special Number Serenading the Retired and Retiring Officials Production Numbers Presentation of the Divisions Closing Remarks Assistant Director Drusila Bayate Asst. Director for Technical Services 7:00 PM Dinner and Party! 4

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Cover Story

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Cover Story

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Conservation / Protection

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Cover Story

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Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

Human Resource Development Program

Institutionalized of the BFAR Provident Fund The plan is to provide supplementary benefits through the Fund to BFAR employees when they retire, are disabled, or separated from the service, and in the event of death, the payment of definite amounts to their beneficiaries.

Strengthening of the BFAR Psychological and Drug Testing Program This program is in response to Sec. 1, Rule II of the Omnibus Rules Implementing Book V of EO No. 292 & Other Pertinent Civil Service Laws wherein selection shall be made “on the basis of fitness to perform the duties and assume the responsibilities of the position”. The mental ability, aptitude, proficiencies, potential ability, and the skills and knowledge of the employees will then be gauged through this means as part of the promotion process of the BFAR employees.

BFAR Health, Safety, Recreational, Social and Athletic Programs Activities include removal of hazards and correcting unsafe work practices, conduct of sports and social events that will contribute to the well-rounded development of BFAR employees in close partnership/coordination with the Medical Clinic.

BFAR Mentoring Program The BFAR Employee Mentoring Program is a purposive and collaborative HR initiative that taps expertise and specialization of BFAR’s current pool of seasoned professionals in all of the technical and administrative units. They shall serve as “mentors” to the junior staff, the “mentees”.

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Documentary Production Contest 1. Open to all enrolled college students. 2. Individual or group participants shall submit one entry only. 3. The documentary must be about the fisheries with emphasis on protection and conservation measures. 4. The documentary shall be limited to 5 to 10 minutes only. 5. The entry must be burned in a DVD for better quality using .wmv, .mpeg, .flv, .mp4, and .mov format. 6. Student-participants may submit their entries by mail or personal appearance at the nearest BFAR Regional Office on or before September 13, 2013 with a duly accomplished entry form (downloadable at www.bfar.da.gov.ph) and a certified photocopy of their current school ID. 7. All the documentary-entries shall be considered property of BFAR. 8. Criteria for judging: a)Content – 40% b)Technical Creativity – 40% c)Popularity (online voting) – 20% 8.Prizes: National Level 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place (2) Consolation Prize Regional Level Top Three

- - - -

Php 30,000.00 Php 20,000.00 Php 15,000.00 Php 7,500.00

Php 15,000.00 each

MTV-Making Contest 1. Open to all enrolled high school students. 2. Individual or group participants shall submit one entry only. 3. The lyrics and song must contain the message of conservation and protection of the fisheries resource and must be the participants’ original composition. 4. The music video shall feature fishery elements. 5. The music video shall be limited to 3 to 5 minutes only. 6. The entry must be burned in a DVD for better quality using .wmv, .mpeg, .flv, .mp4, and .mov format. 7. Student-participants may submit their entries by mail or personal appearance at the nearest BFAR Regional Office on or before September 13, 2013 with a duly accomplished entry form (downloadable at www.bfar.da.gov.ph) and a certified photocopy of their current school ID. 8. All music video-entries shall be considered property of BFAR. 9. Criteria for judging: a) Content and Originality – 50% b) Video Interpretation – 30% c) Popularity (online voting) – 20% 10.Prizes: National Level 1st Place - 2nd Place - 3rd Place - (2) Consolation Prize -

Php 20,000.00 Php 15,000.00 Php 10,000.00 Php 5,000.00

Regional Level Top Three

Php 7,500.00

General Information

OBJECTIVES:

Deadline of submission:

September 13, 2013

General Information

1) To commemorate the 50th Fish Conservation Week 2) To intensify the participation of the youth in creating public awareness on the fisheries sector 3) To draw public interest and eventually, public involvement on the conservation measures being implemented by the BFAR 4) To use the materials submitted for these contests in future conservation programs of the bureau

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Fis

An Efficient of Blessings 14

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Thrusts and Programs

What is FishR?

FishR Program, short for Municipal Fisherfolk Registration Program, is designed to assist local government units to comply with the provision of RA 8550 or the Fisheries Code of 1998 which provides for the registration of municipal fisherfolk. With the aim to develop and promote a simplified and standardized national registration system, FishR will make use of the database of fishers collected by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA) initiated by the Department of Budget Management. Existing records of fishers from RSBSA will then be integrated to the Municipal Fisherfolk Registration System managed by BFAR’s Fisheries Information Management Center (FIMC). With this, BFAR intends to earn the support of all coastal municipalities to use and regularly update the Fisherfolk Registration System (FRS) which will later help design fisheries management and biodiversity conservation interventions at the local, regional, and national levels.

Why Establish and Maintain a Fisherfolk Registry? By establishing reliable information relevant to fishermen’s welfare and fisheries and coastal resource conservation, the government can definitely protect the preferential rights of subsistence fisher folk while ensuring sustainability of resources. A registry system will also be a great help to efficiently deliver government programs and benefits to fishers as well as provide them with immediate access to government assistance packages. Moreover, knowing the everyday risks encountered by our fishermen, BFAR through the FishR Program is also geared at strengthening fisherfolk’s livelihood security by providing them with premium insurance.

Provision of Premium Insurance through FishR

shR

t Entry-Point s for Fishers Thrusts and Programs

Understanding the risks the fisherfolk and other stakeholders face on a daily basis, BFAR is firm to deliver significant service through the provision of premium subsidy for fishery insurance proposed at 200-million pesos worth of funds. BFAR recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) for the provision of the said insurance protection for fishfarmers/ fisherfolk/growers on May 29, 2013 in Cebu City. “BFAR cannot continue the fight towards sustainable fisheries alone; the bureau needs our fisherfolk, as primary actors of this sector, to help us move proficiently forward. And by giving them this privilege, as their partner, we know they will be able to do their share well,” BFAR Director Asis G. Perez said. The premium insurance will provide Php50,000 per individual to over a million municipal fisherfolk nationwide. It will cover a wide range of BFAR programs consisting of both crop and non-crop agricultural assets. continuation on page 29

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Isda Savings and Loan Association Inc., (ISLAI) is a private, nonstock and non-profit savings and loan association established and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2011. Started in August of 2011 with only 1M as its initial capital contribution from its Board of Trustees, now it has P 9.1 Million as of May 2013. The organization is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas with 356 members to date including some from the Regional Centers nationwide and retired employees of BFAR. Membership to the Association was classified into A.) Regular and B.) Special members. Regular members are those BFAR employees whose status is permanent or regular in nature from Central Office, Regional Offices, Regional Fisheries Training Centers and NFRDI. Special members are those separated from the Bureau either by retirement, transfer or resignation but have manifested their intention to retain their membership with the Association as well as BFAR temporary and casual employees under the plantilla position. There’s good news! The loanable amount of permanent members was increased from 3months to 5 months equivalent of their basic salary payable in one year or two years. Meanwhile, special members were granted a loan 70% of their total capital contributions, also payable in

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one year or two years. Both categories of membership were given at 13% per annum interest. Members shall be entitled to dividends computed following the prescribed Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) guidelines. This shall be declared by the Board of Trustees as approved by BSP at the end of each fiscal year on the basis of their total capital contributions. On their second year of operation, they have declared a 5% dividend for each member for the calendar year ending December 2012. Behind all these good packages is a noble purpose. Ultimately, ISLAI wants to achieve the following for its members: to encourage and promote thrift and habit of saving among its members; to make credit available to the members at reasonable rate of interest; to educate the members in the wise use of money and to emphasize the importance of punctuality in meeting obligations; and to cooperate with the government of the Philippines, together with all its instrumentalities in the execution of the government policies. So, what are you waiting for? There’s nothing to lose. As the saying goes, “’Pag may isinuksok, may madudukot.” Why not start now? Start your savings. Be a member of ISLAI.

“loanable amount of permanent members was increased from 3 months to 5 months”

13% per annum interest

General Information

ORGANIC AQUACULTURE How is Organic Aquaculture developed?

Five years ago, a National Technical Working Group (TWG) for Organic Aquaculture was organized to develop the methodologies used in the techno aqua trials conducted in BFAR Regional Fisheries Technology Centers. Through the RA 10068(Philippine Organic Agriculture Act of 2010), the Philippine National Standard for Organic Agriculture was established to provide an implementing guidelines for Organic Aquaculture.

What benefit can we obtain from the program? As a government agency mandated to protect and enhance the aquatic resources for better production, the BFAR is taking its initiative to address the needs of the country’s fishery sector for sustainability. To be specific, organic aquaculture aims to utilize quality yet affordable local raw materials, increase fishery market value and demand in order to have a better farm income. Here are the benefits of the program in accordance to RA 10068 Organic Agriculture Act of 2010: • Enhance biological diversity within the whole system; • Increase soil biological activity; • Maintain long – term soil fertility; • Recycle wastes of plants and animal origin in order to return nutrients to the land, thus minimizing the use of non-renewable resources; • Rely on renewable resources in locally organized agricultural system; • Promote the healthy use of soil, water and air as well as minimize all forms of pollution thereto that may result from agricultural practices; • Develop and promote the use of biotechnology in agriculture and; • Handle agricultural products with emphasis on careful processing methods in order to maintain the organic integrity and vital qualities of the product at all times.

ORGANIC AQUACULTURE

What is Organic Aquaculture?

The Organic Aquaculture is designed to enhance efficiency of fish production without harming the health of the consumers, fishfarmers, as well as the environment. It promotes the use of feasible ecological, social, economical and technical production means that reduces the use of pesticides, chemicals and other GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). It also includes the soil fertility management, variety breeding and selection under chemical and pesticide free conditions, biotechnology and other cultural practices as stated in RA 10068(Philippine Organic Agriculture Act of 2010).

Thrusts and Programs

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The big break for Cagangohan Women Association (CWA) came in 2011 when they received a project assistance on bangus processing worth P200,000 from the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. One year after receiving the said assistance, the initial business venture of the association paid off when their income reached more than P180, 000.00 after joining trade fairs selling both fresh and processed bangus. As a result, each member received P4,000.00 as profit share. The bangus processing enterprise of CWA opened more doors of livelihood opportunity among its members. Noticing the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enterprising effort, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region 11 through its UnladPinoy Project, provided them with 1 unit of bamboo type marine fish cage (10m x 10m x 4m) at the Panabo Mariculture Park. Using polyculture method, ten thousand pieces of bangus fingerlings and 1,000 pieces of rabbitfish were initially stocked in the fish cage. The fish cage project propelled the income that CWA is already generating from bangus processing. Based on the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record, the said project produced more than 13.18 metric tons of fish catch with a total gross income of around P1.1 million and earned a total net income of more than P226, 000.00 from the time it started its operation in 2012 up to the present. The CWA is now reaping the benefits of their labor. Members of the association owe their success to the support on bangus processing project they received from the government. But more than the former, the opportunity to run the cage for livelihood project in Panabo City Mariculture made the difference in ushering the growth of their business undertaking, they claimed. Still part of the government support, the BFAR distributed 20 units of cage with 15, 000 pieces of bangus fingerlings which cost P100, 000.00 per unit to fisherfolk families as beneficiaries. The assistance package came also with 60 bags of feed supply amounting P400, 000.00 through loan assistance from land bank and BFAR-RFTC Employees Co-

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operative. This resulted to a total production of 241 metric tons of bangus which redound to an increase of P11, 115.00 in the individual monthly income of the fisherfolk beneficiaries. Last year, during the 6th Founding Anniversary of the Panabo City Mariculture Park, no less than Secretary of the Department of Agriculture Proceso J. Alcala witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) forging the partnership between and among BFAR, Land Bank of the Philippines and some private fish traders for the operation of 10 cages with fisherfolk families as beneficiaries. During the said visit, the Agriculture Czar expressed his appreciation of the active participation of the LBP, City Government of Panabo and the private investors. He encouraged them to continue partner with the Department of Agriculture through BFAR in pushing further development efforts that would uplift the economic condition of the local fisherfork. Likewise, the Secretary enjoined BFAR to increase the number of cages operated by the fisherfolk and suggested government interventions which could include among others, the establishment of post harvest facilities. Today, Panabo City Mariculture Park continues to bring livelihood opportunities not only to the CWA but to local fisherfolk and other private investors. Within its area of 617 hectares, there are 257 installed marine fish cage in the park. Out of this number, 209 units are owned by private investors while 48 units are operated by fishfolk families under the BFAR livelihood assistance and technodemo project.

Thrusts and Programs

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Thrusts and Programs

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Just before the month of the farmers and fisherfolk ended, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources announced fishery development support on the newly-established fishing ground in Benham Plateau, more commonly known as “Benham Rise.” Benham Rise is a 13-million hectare underwater region located East of Luzon. Its shallowest portion is at 35 meters off the provinces of Isabela and Aurora. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS¬) confirmed it as part of the Philippine territory on April 12, 2012. The declaration basically extended the country’s territory beyond the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The area is identified as marine biodiversityrich where high-value fish species such as yellow-fin and blue-fin tuna and black and white marlin abound. The area also teems with round scad or galunggong. Recognizing the vast potential for fishery productivity in the area, the

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said fishing ground is among the priority areas under the National Payao Program of BFAR. This program which establishes the so-called “payao-belt” aims to install units of payao or Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) along the West Philippine Sea and the Philippine Pacific Seaboard.

The “Payao” Idea

The idea of payao dates back in the mid-1900s when fisherfolk used local materials such as bamboo stalks constructed into rafts to attract fishes. While the traditional payao is as effective in aggregating fish as the modern payao does, the former’s organic composition does not fair well with the natural cycle of

wear and tear. As a result, the traditional payao’s usability is short-lived. Recognizing both the simplicity and the effectiveness of its structure, BFAR reinvented the payao. The bureau made use of more potent materials such as steel, skyline ropes, cable wires and concrete sinkers. It is composed of a floater anchored at the sea bottom by mooring/anchor line and anchor weight. Attractant or habong, usually made of palm or coconut leaves, is attached hanging from the float. The habong activates and enhances productivity at basic trophic levels of the food chain which in turn improves aggregation of higher trophic level species like tuna and

Thrusts and Programs

other pelagic fish. It is also believed that fish attraction is effected by sheltering and feeding signals generated by the payao structure. If properly managed, an entire unit can last up to five years, BFAR Dir. Asis G. Perez said. It is classified into three: the shallow-water payao, the deep-sea payao and the offshore payao. Shallow-water payao is deployed in fishing areas not more 500m deep, the deep-sea payao in waters 501-1500m deep and the offshore payao in waters beyond 15 km from the coast line with depth of more than 1500m.

More For Benham Rise

Dir. Perez revealed that in the waters of Quezon province alone, a total of 49 units of payao are currently being deployed. Another 66 units of offshore payao will be deployed in Benham Rise.

Thrusts and Programs

Initially, seven commercial fishing vessels (ring netters) have signified interest to start fishing operations in the area. “The deployment of these payao will provide our fishers with marked spots where prime class of fish species congregates. This will help them avoid waste fuel loitering in the sea in search of good catch,” Dir. Perez said. The bureau, however, strongly encourages fisherfolk to employ acceptable fishing practices in the areas where payao are installed. In anticipation of the abundant fishery production from Benham Rise, Dir. Perez announced several future government interventions. One would be the establishment of post-harvest facilities and equipment such as blast freezers and refer vans in strategic fish landing areas in the provinces of Quezon and

Aurora. Another will be the deployment of carrier vessels which will transport the fishermen’s catch to the mainland so that fishing vessels need not leave the area. The bureau chief said that fishing operations of the initial seven commercial fishing vessels could generate an estimated volume of 70 metric tons of fish catch per fishing operation. At the least, each ring netter could conduct at least two fishing operations per month. Moreover, each ring netter could provide employment to at least 30 fishermen. To ensure that the fishing ground is safeguarded from poachers and illegal fishers, BFAR’s will be procuring several units of multi-mission vessels which will take charge of the regular monitoring and surveillance. The same vessels will also be used for quick response and rescue operations during emergencies. ILES fISH

The BFAR National Payao Program aims to provide livelihood for small-scale fishermen by establishing accessible “fishing areas” through the aid of fish aggregating devices or FADs or commonly known as payaos. The National Payao Program will also contribute to fish production and by establishing fishing zones with the aid of payaos, reduces fuel cost/expenses and time in searching for fish and fishing operations, institutionalize value formation on sustainable fishing and ownership and in so doing resource protection and proper operation and maintenance of the FADs are realized. The implementation of the Livelihood Assistance Program on the deployment of Payao was based on the consultation on FAO 222 last March 2012 with Dir. Asis G. Perez in Lucena City. Identified Fishermen groups/associations were consulted on the BFARs payao program. Aside from the payaos deployed by MV DA-BFAR which were classified as deep-sea and offshore payaos under the National Payao Program, nearshore or shallow-water payaos were also deployed for deserving small-scale or marginal fishermen with small motorized bancas and using simple or multiple handlines. The implementation of the Payao Program was divided into three phases first, the consultation and deployment site/area identification; second, payao deployment and lastly, catch monitoring. Consultation with Fisherfolk Beneficiaries The deployment of the 47 units shallow-water payaos covered the coastal communities of Bondoc Peninsula, Outer Lamon Bay and Northern Polilio Coastal Municipalities benefitting a total of 20 fisherfolk associations with 2,999 members in 8 coastal municipalities. The team composed of staffs from the RFO4A, Capture Fishery and Technology Division (CFTD), the National Marine Fisheries Development Center (NMFDC) and the Directors Office (DO) conducted the consultation with the fishermen group/ associations in their respective coastal communities/barangays. The team met with various fishing groups and associations mostly smallscale fishermen with motorized bancas using spears for fishing, handlines and multiple handlines locally known as kitang targeting tuna and tuna-like species and commercially important demersal

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fishes. The group mostly composed of elderly fishermen and oftentimes women mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, and even grandmothers since most of the men were out fishing. The discussions during the consultation includes the guidelines in the identification of the payao deployment areas, the association(s)/group counterpart, and catch monitoring based on the BFAR National Payao Program. The fishermen were also asked to identify the proposed deployment areas of their payaos on the navigational chart where coordinates are recorded, depths, distances are measured to inform them of the travel time and fuel cost it takes for them to get to their payaos and their capability to provide security. This would enable the fisherfolk beneficiaries to adjust the proposed deployment areas if it is too far and too expensive for them to reach their payaos and if they are unable to provide security and if their safety is compromised. The counterpart of the fisherfolk beneficiaries includes the provision of the payao sinkers (each weighing around 660 kgs), the “habong” (dried coconut or palm leaves),deployment of the payaos, security and maintenance (replacement of “habongs”), and catch monitoring which will be submitted on a monthly basis. On the other hand, BFAR will provide the payao floater a 4mm metal sheet drum size with 1.5 vacuum compartments and 16 mm PP rope as anchor and main line with steel cable as added support. Once the deployment areas of the payaos have been approved by the BFAR technical staff, the fisherfolk beneficiaries were then asked to fabricate the required number of sinkers and provide logistical support (manpower and boat) to transport and deploy the payaos. Payao Deployment After the team has identified the number of payaos intended for each coastal communities, award documents were prepared and payao markings and coding were recorded and inscribed/ printed on the payaos. In coordination with the BFAR RFO-IVA, copies of the distribution list of the payaos per municipality were prepared and the delivery of the said payaos and ropes were facilitated by the RFO-IVA and the NMFDC. The allotted length of the pp ropes were based on the depth of the deployment areas identified by the fishermen on the navigational chart. Once the fisherfolk beneficiaries are prepared and ready (logistics like

manpower and transport facilities like banca and rafts), the BFAR technical team are informed to assist the fishermen in the deployment of the Payaos. Once on site, the payao deployment were divided in three phases; first is the assembly of the payao parts and components, second is the sighting and the acquisition of bearings of the payao deployment sites by the fishermen, and lastly loading and deployment of the payaos. The assembly of the various payao components involves the attachment of the mainline and cable line to the floater and the counter-weight rings and the assembly of the anchor lines to the sinkers and anchor rings. The fishermen were instructed to wrap the tire rings with plastic cement sacks to prevent friction, abrasion and cutting of the mainline and anchor line. Counter weights are also attached to the tire rings. The deployment areas of the payaos are based on the coordinates plotted on the chart and GPS during the consultation. Since almost all of the fisherfolk beneficiaries are ill-equipped and does not know how to operate a GPS, the team assisted in acquiring the bearing of the deployment areas with the fishermen onboard a banca. Each of the plotted positions or waypoints was verified by the fishermen for the deployment areas of the payaos. The payaos are transported to the deployment areas by section or components. The sinkers attached to the sinker or anchor rings which are hanged on the boats “katig” near or at the base of the bancas hull. The payao and the habong are loaded separately on to another banca. Once the team and fishermen reaches the deployment site/ areas the anchor rings are attached to the mainline and the cement anchors are released at the same time. Once the rope or mainline stops reeling off, a 30% slack is added to the actual length and the mainline which is then attached to the float-line ring or the main buoy/ payao. 25-45 pieces of “habong” (fish attracting section) are tied to a line with a 30 kg weight suspended at the end of the line which is then attached to the payao. Lastly a flag or marker is attached to the payao for identification. The next phase of the payao program is to conduct an orientation together with the fisherfolk beneficiaries and staff from RFO-IV on how to use the catch monitoring form this is scheduled sometime on the early part of July.

Thrusts and Programs

Deployment of Shallow-water Payao

along Bondoc Peninsula, Outer Lamon Bay and Northern Polilio Coastal Municipalities By: Dr. Alma C. Dickson; Joeren YleaĹ&#x2C6;a; Pierre Easter L. Velasco; Allan Urtal

Thrusts and Programs

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At the height of local town fiestas, flores de mayo and other colorful Filipino festivities, a different kind of celebration awaits our beloved fisherfolk. What’s in store for them is a great opportunity that is slowly unfolding. Pursuant to DA Special Order No. 88 Series 2005, the fifth month of the year, May, is declared the Farmers’ and Fishermen’s Month. It is a month-long celebration giving due recognition and tribute to the farmers and fisherfolk who tirelessly toil our lands and seas. The celebration highlights their role as partners of the government and the country’s backbone in poverty alleviation and food security program. In line with this celebration, the fisherfolk are given the opportunity to participate in the projects and programs of the government through a representation by national and regional fisherfolk leaders who were given the chance to act as the BFAR Director at the national and regional levels respectively. The activity shall be dubbed as “Mangingisdang Direktor Para sa Mas Matatag na Balikatan” (Fisherfolk Director for a More Strengthened Partnership in Fisheries Management). The selection of National and Regional Fisherfolk Directors (as well as Provincial Fisheries Directors) follow a set of guidelines pursuant to Fisheries Office Order No. 82 Series of 2009, wherein a National Fisherfolk Council of Leaders and a Regional Fisherfolk Council of Leaders comprised of Regional Fisherfolk Representatives and Provincial Fisherfolk Representatives respectively carry out the election among themselves. The election at the national level is facilitated by the BFAR National Fisherfolk Operation Center thru PAMPANO Inc. while the BFAR Regional Office and a representative from the existing National Fisherfolk Council of Leaders spearhead the selection process at the regional level. As acting national and regional directors, the fisherfolk directors shall assume their role and task in the implementation and dissemination of key programs of the agency. However, their authority shall be limited to non-policy determining activities which should not in any way affect the government accounting rules and procedures as well as the civil service rules and regulations governing regular government employees. At the same time, while the fisherfolk directors assume their term for one month (the whole month of May), during the same period, the BFAR directors at the national and regional levels are enjoined to engage in community immersion in coastal villages within their respective jurisdiction.

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Thrusts and Programs

This year’s theme for the Fisherfolk Month is “Fisherfolk Sector at 13: Developing, Progressing, Soaring” with Ka Servando P. Toledo of Region 7, Cebu City as the 2013 National Fisherfolk Director on the lead. He led several on-site visitations to the various projects of BFAR located in the different regions of the country. Together with other fisherfolk leaders, he made field visits to Panabo City Mariculture Park in Davao del Norte; Banay Banay Fish Sanctuary Project in Davao Oriental; Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) and Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Center in Lupon, Davao Oriental; Aquasilviculture Project in Barangay Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao and also the Seaweed Processing Plant in the province; Tilapia Grow-out Ponds in the Regional Fisheries Training Center of the bureau in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and Artificial Incubator Laboratory and Broodstock Project for Improved Get-Excel Tilapia in Sta. Monica Heights, Puerto Princesa, Palawan as well as the BFAR-RFTC Freshwater Fish Hatchery and Demonstration Pond Project in Line 15, Barangay Taritien, Narra, Palawan; the Aloha House which houses an Aquaponics Center in Mitra Rd., Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; DJ Farm located in Lagangilang, Abra that is owned and managed by Mr. Danilo Trongco (2011 National Gawad Saka’s Outstanding Fisherfolk-Pond Aquaculture), which situates hatcheries and 27 ponds for growing tilapia and pangasius; Lake Sebu’s Multi-hatcheries in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato and the facilities inside General Santos Fish Port Complex in General Santos City, South Cotabato; Bakhawan Mangrove Eco-Park in New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan; Malumpati Health Spring and Tourist Resort in Sitio Malumpati, Barangay Guia, Pandan, Antique which is part of Bugang River (known to be the the cleanest inland body of water in the world); fishery projects (smoked fish) of Banti Fisherfolk Association in Brgy. Banti, Tinambacan District, Calbayog City; fishery projects (pickled seaweed and seaweed kropek) of Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Binaliw in Brgy. Binaliw, Calbayog City; field visit to Regional Fisheries Training CenterCatbalogan; field visit to Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center (GMFDC) and Pearl Island Marine Experimental Farm in Guian, Eastern Samar as well as to Philippine Taiyo Aqua Farming Corporation. Ka Servando also witnessed the oath-taking and installation of Regional Fisherfolk Director Mr. Virgilio J. Mainit and three Provincial Fisheries Directors in Cebu City Regional Office VII as well as the oath-taking and installation of Regional Fisherfolk Director Mr. Buenaventura A. Maiz, Jr. in Davao City Regional Office XI. He also continuation on page 29

Thrusts and Programs

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Government steps up efforts to contain

KNIFE FISH in Laguna De Ba’i

With daily knife fish landing already reaching 10,000 kg, at least seven national agencies forged together with the stakeholders to contain further infestation of the said invasive species during the “National Forum on the Containment of Knife Fish in Laguna De Ba’i” held last June 14, 2013 in Taguig City University. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Director, Atty. Asis Perez said “For every kilo of knife fish, we are losing seven kilos of our indigenous fish species in Laguna De Ba’i which amounts up to P1, 050. Thus, if we have a daily catch of 10 tons of knife fish, that means we are losing 70 tons of other fish species including biya, bangus, tilapia, and shrimps every day.” During the forum, Atty. Asis Perez and Laguna Lake Development Authority General Manager, J. R. Nereus Acosta led the MOA signing along with the representatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),

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Technical Education and Skills Development Autority (TESDA), Laguna, Rizal, and Metro Manila Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council The said agencies comprised the Technical Working Group that will draw the specific action plan to address the knife fish infestation. Initially, DOST will provide the scientificallybased solutions to combat the problem while TESDA will help in the mass production of the needed equipment. The DILG, DSWD, and DTI could look into the poverty related issues and further identify livelihood interventions for the affected fisherfolk in the 6 provinces, 12 cities, and 49 municipalities around the lake. "This is one battle we cannot afford to lose. We wouldn’t want to lose the lake which produces more than 40 percent of the bangus supply in the National Capital Region (NCR) and CALABARZON,” Perez said. Earlier, BFAR through its Regional Office IV-A also signed a MOA with 12 municipalities of Laguna for the massive collection and retrieval of Knife fish. Each fisherman was paid P20 pesos for every kilo of knife

fish retrieved. The scheme provided displaced fisherman an alternative livelihood while the bureau looked for means to utilize the fish and/or fish parts as value-added products for food, feeds, or handicrafts. The collection of knife fish is a big help for the fisherfolk considering the seasonal occurrence of timud or liya affecting the quality of food fish being caught from the lake. Knifefish (Chitala ornate) was introduced in the Philippines through the ornamental fish trade. It occurs naturally in swamps, lakes, and rivers of Southeast Asia and South America. Often regarded as the "big bully" in the aquarium, knife fish is known for its aggressiveness and highly-carnivorous nature. Studies done by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources National Inland Fisheries Technology Center (BFAR-NIFTC) show that a one-kilogram knife fish which at present has no economic value as food fish can consume up to seven kilos of other fish species including small fishes, indigenous fishes, shrimps, and mollusks, among others.

General Information

FishR . . .

FishR on the ground implementation

The bureau has earmarked some Php30M to ensure a complete fisherfolk registration in the country. This budget will be distributed among 899 coastal cities and municipalities in the form of incentives. Through this, fisheries technician officers from the LGUs in all coastal cities and municipalities, who will facilitate in the fisherfolk registration, will receive an incentive of Php15.00 per fisherfolk registered. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All municipalities which completed the registration will qualify for at least 2 million worth of fishery projects by 2014,â&#x20AC;? Dir. Perez said. FishR was launched last May 22, 2013 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza. The event opened the registration to all workers in the fisheries sector which includes municipal fishermen, fish vendors, fish farmers, and all other workers in allied industries. FishR launching was attended by the Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Emerson Palad, Department of Budget Management Secretary, Florencio Abad and Undersecretary Richard Moya, National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary, Joel Rocamora, National Statistics Office Administrator, CarmencitaEricta, and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director, Gloria Steele and its Chief of Energy and Environment Office, Rolf Anderson.

Mangingisdang . . .

took part in radio interviews on the activities of Fisherfolk Directors Program and other issues concerning the fisherfolk; one is with DZXL 558 Manila where he joined BFAR Director Asis G. Perez and another one with Radio Mindanao Network in Cotabato City. Other activities of the 2013 National Fisherfolk Director were the attendance to the Launching of the National Program for Municipal Fisherfolk Registration (FishR) at Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Manila and signing his pledge of support to the program as well as awarding of various projects and support to respective fisherfolk associations in the province of Abra. As stated in Section 5 of Fisheries Office Order No. 080 Series of 2005, the Fisherfolk Director shall submit his observations, comments and recommendations relative to his experience as Fisherfolk Director for the whole month of May. For this year, Ka Servando shall make his exit in Naga City in the Bicol Region on June 26-28, 2013 where he would share his wonderful experiences as a Fisherfolk Director, insights as well as recommendations on how to further improve the government support for the fisherfolk.

General Information

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Scope and Application A. This Administrative Order covers the 36 Philippine registered traditional fresh/ ice chilled catcher fishing vessels granted access to the HSP-1SMA, having gross tonnage of not more than 250 GT issued with International Fishing Permits, and listed in the WCPFC. B. This Administrative Order applies only to HSP-1SMA, which is the area of the high seas bounded by the EEZs of the Federated States of Micronesia to the north and east, Republic of Palau to the west, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea to the south with exact coordinates as used by WCPFC Vessel Monitoring System.

Allocation of Fishing Access Criteria in Qualifying for Fishing Access. Any person, corporation or entity who signifies intent to engage in group tuna purse seine operations in HSP-1SMA shall be prequalified based on the following criteria: 1. The traditional fresh/ice chilled catcher fishing vessels shall be no more than 250 GRT; 2. The fishing vessels are Philippine-registered with valid Commercial Fishing Vessel and Gear License (CFVGL), and licensed with International Fishing Permit; 3. The fishing vessels must be SOLAS compliant; 4. The fishing vessels must be Catch Documentary Scheme compliant;

5. The purse seine net shall have mesh size not less than 3.5 inches starting at the mid body to the entire wing while ring net shall not have mesh size not less than 3.5 inches at both wings; 6. The fishing vessels have not been convicted in any administrative or criminal offenses for engaging in fishing activities in the convention area in violation of any conservation and management measures adopted by the WCPFC; 7. The fishing vessels shall be registered with WCPFC; 8. The fishing vessels shall be equipped with two-way Vessel Monitoring System; 9. The fishing vessels shall avail of the services of accredited Regional Observer preferably fishery graduates; 10. Each group tuna purse seine/ ring net operation shall commit to deploy no more than 40 FADs per catcher vessel; 11. The boat owner and three highest ranking officers of the boat must have attended the orientation to be conducted by the Bureau prior to operations; 12. The 36 vessel listed to access the high seas shall not fish in Philippine waters during the validity of their license in the high seas.

details such as registered name, gross tonnage, and gear. 2. Preliminary List. The Bureau shall draw a preliminary list from those that submitted LOI. Subsequently, those in the list will be evaluated on the basis of their compliance to the criteria and their history of fishing operations in the High Seas prior to 2010. 3. Allocation. Each person, corporation or entity in the preliminary list will be allocated one (1) slot. If there are still remaining slots out of the thirty-six available slots, these will be raffled off among the persons, corporations or entities in the preliminary list. The companies given slots shall comply with all the requirements, before given the final confirmation of the access allocation. Failure to comply with the all the criteria shall result to revocation of the slot thus making the slot available for raffle to others in the preliminary list.

Observer Coverage

Procedure in the Allocation of Fishing Access 1. Letter of Intent. All interested persons, corporations or entities shall submit a formal Letter of Intent (LOI) addressed to the Director of the Bureau not later than 15 days from effectivity of this FAO indicating the vessel

All catcher vessels operating in HSP-1 SMA shall have 100% regional observer coverage in accordance to FAO 240 Series of 2012 on Rules and Regulations in the Implementation of Fisheries Observer Program in the High Seas, and WCPFC Conservation Management Measure (CMM) 2007-01. Priority will be given to fisheries graduates in the deployment of Observers.

Vessel Monitoring System All catcher vessels shall be

Regulations and Implementing Guidelines on Group Tuna Purse Seine Operations in High Seas Pocket Number 1 as a Special Management Area

FAO

245

Fisheries Administrative Order

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Series of 2012

General Information

equipped with and shall operate a two-way Automatic Location Communicator in accordance to FAO 241 Series of 2012 on Regulations in the Implementation of the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) in the High Seas, CMM 2011-02. The fisheries monitoring center shall provide continuous real-time VMS information to the adjacent coastal States/ Territories for monitoring purposes. Access to VMS and other data related to HSP-1 SMA shall be in accordance with WCPFC’s Rules and Procedures for the Protection, Access to and Dissemination of High Seas Non-Public Domain Data and Information Compiled by WCPFC for the Purpose of Monitoring, Control or Surveillance (MCS) Activities and Access to and Dissemination of High Sea VMS for Scientific Purposes.

Reporting A. The vessels or the fishing company shall notify BFAR through electronic or any other means at least 24 hours prior to entry and no more than 6 hours prior to exiting the HSP-1 SMA. Likewise, this information shall be transmitted to the adjacent coastal States/ Territories and WCPFC. B. The report should be in the following format: “VID/Entry or Exit: Date/Time; Lat/Long.” C. The vessels operating in HSP-1 SMA should report sightings of any fishing vessel to the BFAR and WCPFC Secretariat. Such information shall include vessel type, date, time, position, markings, heading and speed.

Vessel Listings The Bureau shall maintain an updated list of all fishing vessels operating in the HSP-1 SMA based on the foregoing vessel’s entry and exit reports, submitted to WCPFC. The list will be submitted to WCPFC and will be made available to WCPFC members and other concerned stakeholders through dedicated website, www.bfar.gov. ph.

Monitoring of Port Landings All landings of vessels operating in the HSP-1 SMA shall be made at the General Santos, Zamboanga, and/or other designated

General Information

ports. Catch logsheet shall be accomplished and submitted to the Bureau to make certain that reliable catch data by species are collected for processing and analysis (see Annex B).

Catch Limit The annual total catch per vessel shall not exceed an equivalent to 273 high seas fishing days in the HSP-1 SMA (4,923 X 2 = 9,846 days, divided by 36).

Net Mesh Size All fishing vessels covered by this Order shall use net mesh size of not less than 3.5 inches starting at the mid body to the entire wing for purse seine, while mesh size of not less than 3.5 inches at both wings for ring net.

Use of Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) Each group tuna purse seine/ring net operation shall deploy not more than 40 FADs per catcher vessel. Location coordinates of FADs should be submitted to the Bureau.

Nature of Access Right Any transfer of access right or replacement of vessel covered by this Order shall be subject to the prior approval of the Bureau and shall be based on the same conditions and criteria as provided herein, otherwise the transfer shall be considered void.

Penalties Any violations of the provisions of this Fisheries Administrative Order shall be penalized with the following fines and penalties: 1. Sailing from the home port on the way to HSP-1 SMA without an on-board observer as required by Section 4 hereof shall be penalized with an administrative fine of Php 100,000.00 for the first offense, and Php 500, 000.00 and revocation of their Special Permit for HSP-1 SMA for the second offense; 2. Intentionally non-reporting of position manually every four hours after having been notified by BFAR FMC that the VMS ALC is not transmitting as required shall be penalized with

an administrative fine of Php 500,000.00 for the first offense, and Php 1,000,000.00 with revocation of special Permit fro HSP-1 SMA for the second offense: Failure to report or notify BFAR as required in Section 6 hereof, shall be penalized with an administrative fine of Php 500,000.00 for the first offense, and Php 1,000,000.00 for the succeeding offenses; Intentional non-submission of catch logsheets as required under Section 8 hereof, shall be penalized with an administrative fine of Php 500,000.00 for the first offense, and Php 1,000,000.00 for the succeeding offenses; Vessel exceeding HS fishing days as provided in Section 9 hereof, shall be liable to pay Php 1,000,000 with revocation of all the Special Permit for HSP-1 SMA issued to the owner of the offending vessel; Non-compliance with the prescribed mesh size provided under Section 10 shall be penalized with administrative fine of Php 1,000,000 for the first offense, and Php 2,000,000 with revocation of Special Permit for HSP-1 SMA for the second offense; Deployment of FADs in excess of 40 as provided in Section 11 hereof shall be penalized with administrative fine of Php 50,000 per excess FAD and confiscation of the excess FADs; Unauthorized transfer of access right or replacement of vessel as provided under Section 12 hereof shall be penalized with Php 1,000,000 at first offense, Php 2,000,000 as well as revocation of Special Permit for HSP-1 SMA at second offense.

Separability Clause. If any section or provision of Order or part thereof is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions thereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Repealing Clause

All existing administrative orders, rules and regulations which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Order are hereby repealed or modified. ILES fISH

Aquaescapade

Photo by: Joel Emmanuel Manalo

Bongao, Tawi - Tawi