2011 2020 Visayas Sea Area Development Plan

COASTAL, AQUATIC AND FISHERY RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ALONG THE INFLUENCE AREAS OF THE VISAYAN SEA, 2011-2020

Northeastern Panay, Northern Guimaras, and North Negros Occidental Western Visayas

National Economic and Development Authority, Region VI 2011

Table of Contents Page No. Message of the President Message of the Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning Message of the RDC Chairperson Foreword by the NEDA Regional Director RDC Resolution Executive Summary List of Acronyms I.

Introduction

1

II.

Profile of the Influence Areas

2

III.

Development Potentials and Challenges

4

IV.

Development Framework

14

V.

Development Goals, Objectives and Targets

16

VI.

Development Strategies

17

VII.

Policies, Programs, Projects and Activities

35

VIII.

Plan Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation

71

IX.

Concluding Statement

72

References

73

Tables, Figures and Annexes

75

Message (of PNoy)

Message With the approval of the Philippine Development Plan and the Regional Development Plans, 20112016, we are set to operationalize the policies and strategies that will help attain inclusive growth.

One of our strategies to provide specific actions that will help spread development to the farthest areas is through the preparation of area development plans. These areas were delineated based on natural economic units or natural resource features and not political boundaries, which will be effective in identifying actual programs and projects that will best address the needs of the area on a cross-sector basis. This will provide for more strategic investments allowing these areas to participate in economic activities and enabling social services to reach places where they are most needed.

The area plans were prepared with inputs from the people in the regions themselves.

We shall therefore work for the alignment of the budgets of national and regional government agencies, local government units with the programs and projects identified in the area plans and enlist the support of the private sector and other stakeholders in its implementation. We hope that through this initiative, we shall be able to have concrete results from policies emanating from national government down to actual actions at the local level.

CAYETANO W. PADERANGA, JR. Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning

Message The Visayan Sea is one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the Philippines, with its municipal fishing grounds providing substantially to the national fishery production. With its strategic location, Western Visayas Region has benefited from the bounty derived from the Visayan Sea. In 2010, the region ranked 2nd in municipal fisheries, 3rd in commercial fisheries and 6th in aquaculture. Region VI is a major supplier of fishery products to Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

However, the Visayan Sea is experiencing dramatic increases of resource depletion brought about by overfishing and destructive fishing practices. We need to address these concerns urgently.

I commend the NEDA Region VI for preparing the Area Plan for Coastal, Aquatic and Marine Fishery Resources Development along the Influence Area of the Visayan Sea, 2011-2020. We need to regulate and manage the rich aquatic and fishery resource of the Visayan Sea to benefit not only today’s generation of communities along its influence area, but future generations as well. Preparing the Area Plan is a right step towards securing the resources of the Visayan Sea. I also recognize the support of local government units, LGU alliances, research institutions, and regional line agencies who contributed their share in coming up with this Area Plan. However, drafting the Area Plan is the easier part. We are still faced with the greater challenge of implementing the Plan and the active involvement of everyone will be very vital to ensure its successful implementation.

Thus, I call on every stakeholders of the Visayan Sea to come together and work toward realizing the goals and targets of the Plan to achieve the vision of a socially and economically progressive area.

VICTOR A. TANCO, SR. Governor of Capiz and Chairperson, RDC-VI

Foreword The Area Plan for Coastal, Aquatic and Fishery Resources Development along the Influence Areas of the Visayan Sea, 2011-2020 was prepared in line with the mandate of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to formulate integrated, socio-economic development plans, policies and programs.

The NEDA decided to focus on the influence area of the Visayan Sea from among the region’s vital and economically strategic natural resources because the economies of the northern parts of Western Visayas’ three main islands: Northern Iloilo, Northeastern Guimaras, and North Negros Occidental, all depended on this major body of water. Also, if the Visayan Sea is not adequately regulated and sustainably managed, the ramification among the communities along its influence area would be devastating and far reaching, being one of the world’s largest concentration of marine life and a major economic resource of Western Visayas.

The Area Plan is a product of extensive consultations, research and refinement involving the various stakeholders in the Visayan Sea. We recognize the ideas, contributions and invaluable roles of partners like the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Region VI and the researchers from the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, who with their expertise and researches, guided the NEDA Staff in identifying the most critical issues and in recommending appropriate measures and strategies to develop the surrounding coastal resources and fishery resources of the sea. Likewise, we deeply appreciate and acknowledge the various stakeholders from regional line agencies, local government units, peoples’ and non-government organizations and state colleges who actively participated in consultative meetings and provided valuable inputs to make the Area Plan reflective of their desires and aspirations for the Visayan Sea. The protection and preservation of the resources of the Visayan Sea is a continuing process.

We call on every stakeholder to do their part to protect and manage sustainably this valuable resource for generations to come.

RO-ANN A. BACAL, CESO III Regional Director, NEDA-VI Vice Chairperson, RDC-VI

Executive Summary The Area Plan for the Coastal, Aquatic and Fishery Resources Development along the Influence Area of the Visayan Sea, 2011-2020 focuses on coastal communities surrounding the Visayan Sea and the marine resources of the sea itself. A vast fishing resource, the Visayan Sea encompasses the four regions of Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas.

The influence areas within Western Visayas covers 18 coastal cities and municipalities of the provinces of Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental that border the Visayan Sea. With an aggregate land area of 2,619.4 square kilometers, it constitutes 13 percent of the region’s land area.

For better planning, the influence areas are divided into three enclaves based on commonality of fishing and economic activities and on the endemic species in the area. These are the Northeastern Panay Enclave which includes the northern towns of Iloilo, the town of Pilar and the city of Roxas in Capiz, all in Panay Island; the Northern Guimaras Enclave which includes the northern coastal municipalities of Guimaras; and the North Negros Occidental Enclave which includes the coastal cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental.

The Area Development Plan aims to look at the current situation of the influence areas, determine how the fishery sector is doing, how the Visayan Sea is coping, identify means for sustaining its resources for generations to come, decide what infrastructure support needs to be introduced, and ascertain the organizational set-up that must be established to institutionalize the coordination, management, and regulatory system that the influence areas of the Visayan Sea will need. Also, proposed interventions present opportunities to explore the potentials of public-private partnerships in the priority concerns and recommendations identified which would be beneficial to the LGUs in the area given their limited fiscal resources.

Cognizant of its inherent strength and potentials as well as challenges, the influence area of the Visayan Sea is envisioned to be a socially and economically progressive area that will become the center for fishery and aquatic production and processing in the context of a balanced ecosystem, through effective governance, providing sustainable means of livelihood for its population towards an improved quality of life for all.

Within the planning period, the Plan aims to promote sustainable management, regulation, and protection of fishery resources through good governance, improve infrastructure facilities, institutions and processes to enhance access to market; and develop and promote the tourism potentials of the Visayan Sea. The sustainable management of fishery resources will be promoted by securing the Visayan Sea resources, advocate for efficient and sustainable production methods and strengthen local institutions. Specifically, securing of the Visayan Sea resources shall involve the identification and management of network of marine protected areas, ensuring the awareness and participation of stakeholders, declaration of closed season for fishing in the Visayas Sea, specifically for fishers using gears that have the capacity to take long hauls and harvests. On the other hand, advocacy for efficient and sustainable production methods will involve education of stakeholders along coastal resource management, promotion of responsible aquaculture technologies, and adoption of environment-friendly fishing methods. Also, local institutions

will be strengthened by delineating roles and functions in law enforcement at all levels of governance, strengthening of fishery councils and local alliances, upgrading of capability of sea patrollers and establishing comprehensive regional information and database system for coastal, marine and fishery resources. The possibility of creating a special management unit for the protection and development of the Visayan Sea will be explored.

To improve the capacities of fishers and household to maximize their benefit from the Visayan Sea, fishers, women and households will be empowered through competency-building trainings, develop their skills on value adding and product processing, and broaden their access to affordable credits.

Access to markets will be improved by streamlining marketing channels; widening local and export market niches; extensive use of information technology and developing capacities of fisherfolks in ensuring quality products and linkaging with strategic partners.

Infrastructure support will be improved through the preparation of a master plan for upgrading of the 18 fish ports to make them fully functional. Physical access to local and international markets will be enhanced by providing the necessary infrastructure support to improve links from production areas to existing and proposed markets. New fish ports in major fish landing areas will be established or improved. Proper drainage and sewage systems and waste water treatment facilities will be installed. Possible projects that can be undertaken by the government in partnership with the private sector that will support the development of areas around the Visayan Sea will be pursued. Research and technology infrastructure, like laboratories and testing centers, will be identified and prioritized.

The Visayan Sea enclaves will be packaged as viable tourist destinations. Tourism circuits will be developed and fishery activities as part of tourism attraction will be the highlight of visits to the area. With its pleasant weather and calm sea for the most part of the year, the Visayan Sea could also play host to water and marine sports.

Policy reforms that will entail the amendment of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1995 will be proposed particularly in the sections on prohibited acts, administrative processes and penalties, law enforcement, and prosecution and filing of cases.

Programs, projects and activities are proposed to promote the conservation and protection of fishery resources and increase the productivity and capacity of fishers and fishing communities in the 18 areas covered by the Area Development Plan. These PPAs, costing around P 14.7 billion, are proposed to be implemented within the planning period of 2011-2020 through national government or official development assistance funding in coordination with the local government units and the private sector.

List of Acronyms 4Ps Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program AFMA Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act ALS Alternative Learning System APGR Annual Population Growth Rate ASU Aklan State University BBBRMCI Banate-Barotac Bay Resource Management Council, Inc. BFAR Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources C/MFARMCs City/Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils CDA Cooperative Development Authority CHED Commission on Higher Education CIDA-LGSP Canadian International Development Agency/Local Government Support Program CMFO Comprehensive Municipal Fisheries Ordinance CPUE Catch Per Unit Effort CRM Coastal Resource Management DA Department of Agriculture DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources DepEd Department of Education DILG Department of the Interior and Local Government DOH Department of Health DOST Department of Science and Technology DOTC-PMO Department of Transportation and Communication-Project Management Office DPWH Department of Public Works and Highways DSWD Department of Social Welfare and Development DTI Department of Trade and Industry ECC Environmental Compliance Certificate EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone EIS Environmental Impact System FARMCs Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils FLA Fishpond Lease Agreement FLEET Fishery Law Enforcement and Enhancement Training FMRs Farm-to-Market Roads FRMP Fisheries Resource Management Program GAA General Appropriations Act GIS Geographic Information System GMA Ginintuang Masaganang Ani GOCC Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation HACCP Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points ICT Information and Communications Technology IEC Information, Education and Communication IRR Implementing Rules and Regulations ISCOF Iloilo State College of Fisheries IT Information and Technology JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency KR2 Kennedy Round 2 LGUs Local Government Units

LTF Local Task Force MARICOM Maritime Command MFO Municipal Fishery Officer MPA Marine Protected Area MSY Maximum Sustainable Yield NAMRIA National Mapping and Resource Information Authority NaRDSAF National Research Development System in Agriculture and Fisheries NEDA National Economic and Development Authority NGAs National Government Agencies NGOs Non Government Organizations NHIP National Health Insurance Program NIACDEV Northern Iloilo Alliance for Coastal Development, Inc. NIPSC Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College NNARMAC Northern Negros Aquatic Resources Management Advisory Council NNC National Nutrition Council NONESCOST Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology NSCB National Statistical Coordination Board NSO National Statistics Office OPA Office of the Provincial Agriculturist PAMBs Protected Area Management Boards PDAF Priority Development Assistance Fund PEO Provincial Engineers Office PEMO Provincial Environment and Management Office PFDA Philippine Fisheries Development Authority PHIC Philippine Health Insurance Corporation PNP Philippine National Police POs People’s Organizations PPA Philippine Ports Authority PPP Public-Private Partnership R & D Research and Development RA Republic Act RDC Regional Development Council RMCs Resource Management Councils RME Result Monitoring and Evaluation RORO Roll-on, Roll-off RSET Regional Socio-Economic Trends SEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center SLAPP Suits and Strategic Legal Action against Public Participation SRNH Strong Republic Nautical Highway SUCs State Universities and Colleges TESDA Technical Education and Skills Development Authority UPV University of the Philippines Visayas

I. Introduction The Western Visayas Region or Region VI is located in the central part of the Philippines and belongs to the Visayas group of islands. It has six provinces, namely, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental; 16 cities, including the two highly-urbanized cities of Bacolod and Iloilo; 117 municipalities; and 4,051 barangays.

The region occupies a total land area of 20,223 square kilometers, the 7th largest administrative region in the country. With population estimated at 6,843,643 in 2007, it is the country’s fourth most populated region. It is the fourth largest regional economy, the biggest outside of Luzon. It is also the fastest growing regional economy among the Visayas regions. The region lies between two large bodies of water, namely the Sibuyan and the Visayan Seas.

This Area Plan focuses on the areas highly influenced by the Visayan Sea (Figure 1).

A vast fishing resource, the Visayan Sea encompasses four regions, namely, Bicol Region, Western Visayas Region, Central Visayas Region and Eastern Visayas Region.

Geographically located at latitudes 11o to 12oN and longitudes 123o to 124oE, the Visayan Sea covers an approximate area of 10,000 square kilometers.

With its strategic location, Western Visayas Region has benefited from the bounty derived from the Visayan Sea. In 2010, the region ranked 2nd in municipal fisheries, 3rd in commercial fisheries and 6th in aquaculture. The region contributed 11.3 percent to the country’s total fish production of P25 billion. Moreover, about 80 percent of the national fish production was generated from the areas along the Visayan Sea (BFAR-VI, 2010).

Figure 1 Visayan Sea Vicinity Map

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The urgency of the area plan is borne out of the realization that if the Visayan Sea, which is a very rich aquatic and fishery resource, is not adequately regulated and left unmanaged, the consequences along its influence area and the communities depending on it would be devastating and far-reaching. The fishery and aquatic resources present enormous prospects for livelihood opportunities and job creation. It begs for attention and concrete action along protection and conservation. The existing organizational setup calls for strengthening of local institutions that are better prepared to manage this rich fishery resource.

This area plan aims to look at the current situation of the influence areas, determine how the fishery sector is doing, how the Visayan Sea is coping, identify means for sustaining its resources for generations to come, decide what infrastructure support needs to be introduced, and ascertain the organizational set-up that must be established to institutionalize the coordination, management, and regulatory system that the influence areas of the Visayan Sea will need. Also, proposed interventions present opportunities to explore the potentials of public-private partnerships in the priority concerns and recommendations identified which would be beneficial to the LGUs in the area given their limited fiscal resources.

II. Profile of the Influence Area The influence areas within Western Visayas covers 18 coastal cities and municipalities of the four provinces of Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental that border the Visayan Sea. With an aggregate land area of 2,619.4 square kilometers, it constitutes 13 percent of the region’s land area of 20,223 square kilometers.

About 84 square kilometers (16%) of mangrove areas are located in these coastal areas, the widest of which are in Sagay City (Negros Occidental) with 23.2 square kilometers, Ajuy (Iloilo) with 8.9 square kilometers, and Pilar (Capiz) with 7.5 square kilometers.

In 2007, there were about 1,134,408 people living in the 18 coastal cities and municipalities bordering the Visayan Sea or about 17 percent of the region’s total population of 6,843,643. Overall, the average annual population growth rate (APGR) is 1.13 percent (2000-2007), lower than the regional APGR of 1.35 percent and the national APGR of 2.04 percent. However, the 18 coastal areas are very densely populated, with only Ajuy, San Dionisio and San Lorenzo having densities lower than the national and regional densities of 260 and 338 persons per square kilometers.

The rest have very high densities, with Roxas City and Estancia, at 1,448 and 1,235 persons per square kilometers, respectively, or three times more than the national and regional totals (Table 1).

For better planning, the influence areas are divided into three enclaves based on commonality of fishing and economic activities and on the endemic species in the area.

These enclaves are: 1. Northeastern Panay Enclave - includes the northern towns of Iloilo and the town of Pilar and the city of Roxas in the Province of Capiz in Panay Island;

2

3

Total

North Negros Occidental Enclave

Escalante Manapla Sagay City Victorias City 18

Cadiz City EB Magalona

Philippines Western Visayas Northeastern Pilar Panay (Capiz Roxas City and Iloilo) Ajuy Balasan Barotac Viejo Batad Carles Concepcion Estancia San Dionisio Northern Buenavista Guimaras San Lorenzo Enclave

Plan Area

92,035 52,428 140,511 88,149 1,134,408

150,750 57,424

2.11 0.77 1.10 1.05 1.13

0.83 0.73

736.28 464.38 360.65 658.32 433.08

291.87 506.74

21 13 19 26 462

22 23

12 Sugarcane production 8 and processing, food processing, gifts, toys and 7 housewares, garments, 6 furniture and metalworking 6 5 208

Number/ Annual Density No. of Economic Distribution Population (persons/ No. of Coastal Activities other than of Population Growth rate per square Barangays Barangays Fishing (2007) (2000-2007) kilometer) 88,574,614 2.04 260.07 42,026 6,843,643 1.35 338.40 4,051 833 40,912 0.70 353.91 24 10 Farming, mining, 147,738 2.18 1,448.41 47 22 manufacturing, trading and 47,113 0.58 243.53 34 18 tourism 27,384 1.00 667.90 23 2 39,326 1.11 276.36 26 7 18,298 1.01 408.80 24 6 57,673 1.07 514.85 33 32 36,881 1.03 380.16 25 19 39,479 1.34 1,234.88 25 16 32,171 1.59 253.77 29 9 43,817 0.68 341.63 36 17 Agri-tourism, mango 22,319 1.41 239.89 12 6 production and processing, food processing

Table 1 Key Socioeconomic Indicators of the Planning Area

2. Northern Guimaras Enclave – includes the northern coastal municipalities of the Province of Guimaras; and 3. North Negros Occidental Enclave – includes the coastal cities and municipalities of the Province of Negros Occidental.

Aside from fishing, the major economic activities of these enclaves are farming, manufacturing, mining and trading. The Northeastern Panay Enclave is rich in mineral ore reserves. Minerals like gold and copper and other non-metallic minerals abound in the area. On the other hand, Roxas City is known as the “Seafood Capital of Western Visayas”. Most of the seafood products are produced in the estuarine area at the mouth of the Panay River which empties to the Visayan Sea. The rich seafood industry enabled the city to move towards rapid development of its commercial areas, slowly becoming the center of trade and commerce, not only in the Province of Capiz, but also in the northern part of Panay Island. The Northern Guimaras Enclave produces mango, cashew nuts, corn, coconut, salt, rootcrops, and honey. Processing ventures include mat weaving, bag making, hollow blocks making, rattan furniture making, and food processing, especially crabmeat. The North Negros Occidental Enclave, like most parts of the province, is a major producer of sugarcane. In fact, Negros Occidental is known as the “Sugar Capital of the Philippines” and produces almost 60 percent of the total sugar output of the country. There are 15 sugarmills located throughout the lowland areas of the province. The province is most famous for sugar-based delicacies with piaya, barquillos, pinasugbo, pastel de mangga, dulce gatas, guapple pie, and napoleones as among the favorites. Other major industries of the province are manufacturing of processed food and gifts, toys and household wares, positioning itself as the giftware and home décor center of the country. Other industries are garments, furniture and metalworking.

Almost all of these activities, however, are inland. Along the coastlines, there are a number of resort establishments that cater to local residents for recreation. But there is hardly a conscious effort to take advantage of the huge potential that the Visayan Sea and its influence areas can offer.

There are about 34,681 fishers operating in the Visayan Sea in 2010, majority of which are municipal fishers. Municipal fishers account for 70% (24,225) of the total while there are only 4,493 commercial fishworkers or 13% of the total. Carles in Iloilo, with all but one of its 33 barangays located along the coast, has the most number of fishers followed by Cadiz in Negros Occidental (Annex A).

III. Development Potentials and Challenges A. Potentials The resources and attractions along the Visayan Sea exhibit several potentials that, if given sufficient support, can augur well for the socio-economic development of the area and its people.

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1. Rich Fishing Ground The Visayan Sea covers an area of 8,460 square kilometers of municipal waters and 1,540 square kilometers of commercial waters. It is relatively shallow, with water depths of 40 meters or less which makes it one of the most productive fishing grounds in the country (Armada, 2004). It is home to the world’s largest concentration of marine life, and has been declared as the “Center of Marine Biodiversity� (Carpenter and Springer, 2004) and has always been, among the top three fishing grounds in the country (NSO, 2001a; Hermes et al., 2004).

Considered a multi-species fishing area with the abundance of pelagic and demersal species, the Visayan Sea has over 491 species that include 111 kinds of pelagic species that live near the surface or in coastal waters, like herrings and anchovies; 306 demersals, or those that occupy the sea floors and lake beds, like the sea bass, red snapper, puffer fish, cod, flatfish, stingrays, etc.; 21 crustaceans such as crab, lobster, crayfish, shrimp, krill and barnacle; 12 species of cephalopods like squid and octopus, 2 species of bivalves like clam, oyster, mussel and scallop and 39 kinds of shark and ray (BFAR-VI, 2002).

Given the enormous resources of the area, the Visayan Sea has a strategic role in the supply of fresh marine and aquatic products, not only for the nutritional requirements of households but, more importantly, the institutional requirements of high-end restaurants, hotels, and resorts in Metro Manila and other parts of the country. Moreover, the abundant supply can support valueadding activities that provide livelihood opportunities for home-based, smalland medium-enterprises. The most prevalent ventures include drying, smoking, canning, bottling, etc. Tests are being made to produce gourmet products out of dried fish using herbs and condiments.

2. Tourism Potentials Tourism can definitely be a thriving industry in the coastal communities along the Visayan Sea. The white sand beaches, ancient churches and the different cultural and religious festivals are among the tourism sites and events that draw thousands of visitors every year. Each area has its own distinct tourism attraction.

The Northeastern Panay Enclave is being promoted for its seafood, marine and adventure attractions. Aside from the centuries-old churches, museums, islands, beaches and landmarks in Roxas City, the Balisong Cave in Pilar, Capiz is also worth exploring. On the other hand, northern Iloilo is known for its white sand beaches and for the beauty and privacy of its many scattered islets.

The Northern Guimaras Enclave has relatively varied tourist attractions and potentials like beaches, islets, falls, caves, as well as, religious and historical sites. The North Negros Occidental Enclave is being promoted for adventure, culture and heritage tourism. It abounds with white sand beaches, springs, waterfalls, historical landmarks and edifices, and man-made structures.

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There are a number of coastal areas within the Visayan Sea that can be developed into marina for private yachts or vessels to take advantage of the beauty and serenity of the sea. Fishponds along the coast can host restaurants that include fishing on the side. Marshlands that are protected land can showcase various species and animals that are well appreciated by environmentalists and nature lovers.

3. Host for Marine Sports The Visayan Sea and its influence areas could play host to a number of water and marine sports, including scuba-diving, snorkeling, swimming, water skiing, wake boarding, water polo, wind surfing, sailboat or dragon boat racing, kayaking, sports fishing, among others. The sea is calm and the weather is pleasant for most parts of the year.

Sports associations could be tapped to spearhead the activities in close coordination with LGUs and local organizations. This could very well be undertaken through public-private partnership to support the tourism sector, as well.

All it takes is for a successful event to be launched which could then motivate local hosts to replicate, and subsequently become a mainstay calendar activity for the area in succeeding years.

4. Active LGU Alliances for Coastal Resource Management The management of common-pool resources remains one of the most challenging development issues among countries that rely heavily on the harvest of natural resources to sustain a great number of its households. With the passage of the Local Government Code, the management of marine, coastal, and forest resources, except for nationally declared protected areas, has been given to local government units (LGUs) since 1991.

Knowing that a common resource like the Visayan Sea cannot be managed effectively and efficiently, if done individually, and that collective effort is essential for long-term solutions to common concerns, several municipalities bordering the Visayan Sea grouped together to form alliances. The establishment of LGU alliances overcame what is popularly known as the “tragedy of the commons� or how individuals acting independently on their own interests can collectively deplete a common limited resource.

Currently, there are three of these inter-local organizations or LGU Alliances (Annex B) composed of local government units located along the influence area of the Visayan Sea. These alliances helped address the common-pool resource problem in managing coastal areas. They are currently functional with funding support from local and international agencies. Programs/projects/activities implemented by these alliances include among others, law enforcement activities, artificial reef project, oyster culture project, fish catch preservation and other capability-building activities for the fishers.

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5. Accessibility to Improved Infrastructure in the Area Major roads and bridges interconnecting the provinces in Panay Island and Negros and along the route of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway have been improved which facilitate access of fishery and marine products from source to end-users. The same has been contributed by the airports of international standards in Iloilo and Negros Occidental, as well as, the upgrading of the Kalibo International Airport in increasing access to local and international markets.

Likewise, the rapid development of the communication sector, specifically in the provision of digital infrastructure has enhanced agriculture, industry and the services sector. With reliable communication systems, production can become more efficient through rapid responses to market signals, avoiding unnecessary overproduction. Better communication can also facilitate the expansion of domestic and global markets.

All barangays covered by the Area Plan are fully energized which has the potential to support forward linkages like production and value-adding industries, as well as, post-harvest facilities, etc.

B. Development Challenges While the area has vast potentials for development, there are also several challenges that need to be addressed to bolster the socio-economic growth of the area. The following are major development challenges targeted to be addressed within the planning period:

1. Overfishing and Depletion of Resources The Visayan Sea used to be one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the Philippines, with its inshore (municipal) fishing grounds providing 13.5 percent of marine capture fisheries in 1995. Until not long ago, fishers were exploiting abundant and seemingly limitless stocks, which made management in terms of access limitations and other regulatory measures unnecessary.

Now, the area is experiencing dramatic depletion of resources brought about by overfishing by both small scale and industrial fleets, with regular encroachment into municipal fishing grounds by the latter, and increasingly destructive fishing practices by small scale fishers.

A trawl survey conducted in July 2003 showed that the standing stock biomass of trawlable fishery resources was 2.23 metric tons/square kilometer only and was further reduced to 2.06 metric tons/square kilometer in 2006 (Armada and Campos, 2004).

Furthermore, a study by Guanco, et. al, (2002) covering the Western and Central Visayan Seas showed that in 1998 to 2002, there was an annual decrease of 24 percent for fish harvest and 11 percent for catch per unit effort or the number of fish caught by an amount of effort which is a combination of gear type, gear size and length of time the gear is used (US National Oceanic and

7

Atmospheric Administration). In 1998, the total catch was 2.7 million metric tons and the CPUE was 17,014.11 kg/day. Compared to year 2002, the fish catch was only 1.4 million metric tons, while the CPUE was 12,842.54 kg/day.

The proliferation of squid, as an indicator of overfishing, is one of the most caught species, ranking fifth among the species caught by trawl, and 15th by seine.

The Visayan Sea has also become one of the most heavily exploited fishing grounds in the country with up to 70 fishers operating per square kilometer in a given time (Green, S.J et al, 2003). The extent of fishing operation of commercial fishing gear in the Visayan Sea is shown in Figure 2.

The open access nature of fishing which is characterized by lack of management, regulation and enforcement has contributed to the degradation of the sea resources worldwide. Also, the widespread technological advances with more efficient gears, stronger and larger nets, electronic fish devices like sonar, and increased ability to fish all over the world, even in the most isolated places, have brought about massive habitat loss and degradation and stocks that are close to collapse. Likewise, the growing human population and large increases in prices of fish for a growing global market are contributory factors to the depletion of sea resources.

Figure 2 Extent of Operation of Commercial Fishing Gear in the Visayan Sea 1998-2002

Legend: ______ ______ ______ ______ ______

Mid-water trawl Purse seine Danish seine Otter trawl Ring net

Source: Monitoring data of the National Stock Assessment Project of BFAR, 2002

Schmidt and Carada noted that illegal and destructive fishing methods (e.g. compressor, cyanide, dynamite, sudsud, use of seroska and sagiwsiw, catching of juvenile fishes and fish spawners, anchor damage, gill netting, and beach seine) are prevalent in many areas bordering the Visayan Sea. Quarrying of

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sand and gravel also provide impacts in the coastal areas of the Visayan Sea. Likewise, pollution due to improper solid waste management causes siltation and sedimentation. Poor tourism management associated with the influx of tourists had also adversely affected the fishery resources of the Visayan Sea. Supporting the biological data is the perception of fishers surrounding the Visayan Sea. A study by Siason, et. al, (2005) concluded that fishers perceived that there is declining catch, rising proportion of low-value species in the catch and increasing number of fishers and fishing pressure. Moreover, Hermes et al. (2004) directly links the decreasing trend in the volume of catch from the Visayan Sea from 1992 to 1995 to overfishing, destruction of habitat and nonlimitation of fishing effort within the fishing ground.

2. Fishers and households in the influence areas are among the most impoverished in the region Severely depleted stocks led to increased levels of poverty among the small scale “municipal� fishers and arrested the steady influx of fishers recorded until the beginning of the 1990s (FAO, 2000). Between 40 and 50 percent of the population of the Visayas are living below the poverty threshold, and among the small scale fishing household, 80 percent are estimated to live below the poverty line (Munoz, J.C., in FAO 2004). In Region VI, the mean household monthly income of commercial and municipal fishers are way below the average family monthly poverty threshold level of P5,180.00 for the region in 2006.

Average poverty incidence among households in the area covered by the plan is 51.33 percent. The highest is in the municipality of Carles (Iloilo) with 71.82 percent.

3. Inefficient Marketing System A study by Hernando (2009) shows that there are too many middlemen involved in the selling of fish. With quite a number of marketing channels and intermediaries in the persons of the comprador and komisyonista, the price of the commodity increases as various middlemen-traders would dictate the buying prices at every level of the marketing process. This situation deprives fishers of the optimum returns from their fishing operations. However, in a market situation characterized by the lack of essential production, processing and other post-harvest infrastructure and facilities, middlemen perform an important role in providing production inputs from boats and gears to credit, as well as, storage, transport, and distribution of products from the producer to the ultimate consumer (Hernando, 2009).

Small-scale fishers generally have limited choice of outlets for their fishery products. Ferrer (2005) cited some reasons: 1) inability of small fishers’ to access other markets outside the municipality; 2) the absence of post-harvest infrastructure e.g., ice plants and processing facilities including a transport system to facilitate marketing to other areas beyond the municipality and; 3) the fact that small fishers obtain loans from traders within the municipality and are obliged to sell their catch to them as payment for their loans.

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4. Outdated Port Facilities and Allied Services Outdated Port Facilities Fish ports primarily function as the main collection and distribution center of fish. Currently, there are 18 fish ports in the cities and municipalities covered by the Area Plan as shown in Figure 3. These are either managed by the LGU - 7, by both LGU and Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) - 1, by both LGU and the Philippine Ports Authority - 1, by PFDA alone - 1 and by the PPA alone - 1. The remaining seven are privately-owned. Of the 18 coastal areas covered by the Area Plan, seven municipalities do not have fish ports (Annex C).

These are Barotac Viejo, Ajuy, San Dionisio, and Balasan in the Northeastern Panay Enclave, Buenavista and San Lorenzo in Northern Guimaras Enclave and Manapla in North Negros Occidental Enclave.

Of these municipalities, some have several fish landing areas, buying stations and fishers’ associations/cooperatives already operating. These are the municipalities of Ajuy, San Dionisio, Manapla, Buenavista and San Lorenzo (Figure 3). The establishment of fish ports in these areas would generate more economic activity with centralized loading and trading of fish catch.

Figure 3 Existing Sea Ports and Fish Ports

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The minimum facilities required for a fully functional and operational fishing port are landing quay long enough to accommodate fishing boats even during low tides, market hall, warehouse and ice plant for proper storage, water supply and electric system, access road and parking area, administration building, canteen, drainage and sewage system, public toilet, perimeter fence, port lighting, and guard house (Israel, et. al. 2000).

Though a survey is needed to inventory the facilities of fish ports in areas bordering the Visayan Sea, it is observed that a great majority of the fish ports lack most of the aforementioned facilities. Moreover, some of the existing landing quays and market halls are already dilapidated which discourage fishing operators to dock at these fish ports. Funds for the maintenance of these fish ports are limited because with the implementation of the Local Government Code, the control of the municipal ports, including those managed by PFDA, has been devolved to the LGUs, most of which, have limited funds. PFDA, whose coverage is nationwide, has also limited funds for maintenance of ports under its jurisdiction.

Inadequate Post-Harvest Facilities The highly perishable nature of fish and marine products necessitates the provision of essential facilities so that post-harvest losses, estimated at about 25-40 percent of total output, can be significantly reduced. High wastage is usually incurred when fresh fish are processed into finished products, such as dried fish, fish sauce and salted fish, because there are no facilities to store or process them to preserve their quality. (Comprehensive National Fisheries Industry Development Plan, 2006-2025).

Figure 4 Processing Industries and Support Facilities

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The use of crushed ice is the most common fish preservation technique in barangay landing sites. Ice is usually bought from local merchants because barangay fish landing centers usually have limited facilities for ice or ice making.

The lack of ice often forces fishers to either sell their catch at a much lower price or immediately process them either by salting, drying or smoking.

However, not all municipal ports have ice plants and cold storage facilities. Of the municipalities covered by the Area Plan, five (27.8%) do not have ice or cold storage plants operating within their areas. These are Barotac Viejo, San Dionisio, and Balasan in Northern Panay; Escalante City in Northern Negros; and Buenavista and San Lorenzo in Northern Guimaras. These LGUs should develop investment packages that could entice the private sector to put up an ice or cold storage plant in their areas to cater to the needs of their municipal fish ports.

Lack of Sewage and Wastewater Treatment Facilities Section 119-c of the Fisheries Code specifies that plans and designs for the construction of fish ports and corresponding post harvest facilities should be consistent with international environmental standards and occupational safety in sanitation and environmental impact. This means that the Environmental Impact System (EIS) and Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) requirements are being imposed. Good environmental practices is necessary as some of the fish ports are located in coves, rivers, or bays and irresponsible discharge of untreated liquid wastes and disposal garbage from the ports would likely have significant impact on the marine environment and the population living near the port area. Proper environmental management will also minimize contamination of the fish catch and prevent unnecessary exposure to health risks of the people doing business in the port.

Subject to confirmation of an actual survey, it is observed that fish ports lack operational sewage and wastewater treatment systems, including the presence of an environmental officer. This is ascribed to the phase-by-phase construction of the fish port depending on the availability of funds, e.g., landing quays are constructed on the first year, a market hall/open shed after three years, and so on. As such, the DENR may overlook requiring the implementing agency (PFDA or LGU) of the necessary discharge and other environment permits.

Besides inadequate fish port facilities and limited access to ice making and refrigeration facilities, other factors such as improper handling practices, limited technological know-how, lack of market roads, and limited capacity to preserve and process fish catch also contribute to lower value-added to end products.

5. Weak Regulatory and Enforcement Capabilities of LGUs The Local Government Code and several laws empowered the LGUs to responsibly manage their local resources, including the 15-kilometer municipal waters. Through local legislation, LGUs can enforce regulations that would make production of fish and aquatic products more sustainable. Many of the

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local institutions are perceived to be weak in properly enforcing local ordinances and national policies on fishing.

However, the devolution of responsibilities to LGUs in 1991 alone does not effectively result in sound natural resource management. Many LGUs found that management of these resources can be complex due to various reasons. These include problems on the public good and common-pool characteristics of the resources, limited technical and fiscal capacities of LGUs, and political economy of managing common pool resources.

A study conducted by Agustin Arcenas, Joseph Capuno and Alice Joan Ferrer on the areas covered by the Banate-Barotac Bay Management Council, Inc. (BBRMCI) shows that these inter-local cooperation or LGU alliances could effectively address the common-pool resource problem in managing coastal areas. BBRMCI has had positive impacts on preserving the quality of Banate Bay. Its success was clearly impressive in the initial years of its existence when the local leaders who managed it were one in their objective: to stop the Bay’s degradation and eliminate conflicts between the user-municipalities. As years went by and alongside change of leadership, the alliance’s performance has suffered and its sustainability became questionable with the withdrawal of support due to politics and personal interests. The question now is whether these alliances can sustain their activities and efforts long enough to deliver what they set out to accomplish.

Weak law enforcement is another concern. The LGUs covered by the Area Plan passed several local ordinances for the sustainable management of their common resource (Annex D). These include prohibition of fishing around the artificial reef, use of compressor, amendment of fishing ordinance and registration of fishing vessels with three gross tonnage. It is evident that the local fishery laws passed and adopted by the concerned local government units are similar. They appear to have been passed in response to the national laws and policies and do not show the specific issues/concerns of the LGUs in defining their efforts on fishery development and protection.

Ferrer, et. al, (2009) noted that the implementation of these fishery laws and local ordinances can be problematic. For instance, there is conflict in the interpretation of the provisions of the Fisheries Code or RA 8550 (Section 18, paragraph 2). The municipalities in Northern Iloilo allow commercial fishers to fish outside the 10.1 kilometer radius of their municipal waters, while the Provincial Bantay Dagat of Iloilo limits commercial fishers to fish beyond the 15 kilometer radius from the municipal waters.

There are also overlapping of boundaries of municipal waters especially when distances among LGUs are too close, like in the case of Ajuy in the Province of Iloilo and Victorias City in the Province of Negros Occidental. These coastal areas are divided by about 18 kilometers of municipal waters and in the absence of a clear delineation of municipal waters, the Provincial Bantay Dagat of Iloilo have been apprehending fishers from Negros Occidental and vice-versa which resulted in the filing of court cases from both sides.

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Schmidt, U.W. and Carada, W., (2004) said that despite the devolution of functions to the LGUs as a result of the implementation of the Local Government Code, the decentralization process failed to provide for effective services delivery because the devolvement of personnel of line agencies was not supported by budgetary support. For example, law enforcement groups like the Bantay Dagat and the Maritime Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP) lack logistical support such as manpower, boats, equipment and fuel. It has been noted that in some cases, illegal fishers have faster and bigger boats than law enforcers which hamper apprehension in the high seas.

Another predicament of law enforcers is the lack of resources to file charges against violators of fishery laws. Violators have to be brought to the city for formal filing of charges. However, the Provincial Bantay Dagat and/or the PNP Maritime Group do not have enough funds to transport those apprehended.

IV. Development Framework A. Guiding Principles The Area Plan promotes sustainable catching and harvesting of fish and marine resources, ensuring environmental protection and conservation of the ecosystem of the sea, as well as, enhancing the well-being and dignity of the fishers and families living along the coastal areas of the Visayan Sea. The Plan adheres to the declared policies of the state as provided for in the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, the Philippine Development Plan, 2011-2016 and the Regional Development Plan (Western Visayas), 2011-2016.

The guiding principles in the formulation of this Area Plan are as follows: 1. Food security is the overriding consideration in the utilization, management, development, conservation and protection of fishery resources in order to provide the food needs of the population; 2. Rational and sustainable development, management and conservation of coastal, fishery and aquatic resources; 3. Protection of the rights of the fishers, especially municipal fishers, in the preferential use of municipal waters based on, but not limited to, maximum sustainable yield or total allowable catch; and 4. Private sector as critical partner of government for investing in viable production, processing, ventures and in the provision of services in the influence areas of the Visayan Sea utilizing sustainable methods and approaches.

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B. Vision The influence area of the Visayan Sea is envisioned to be a socially and economically progressive area that will become the center for fishery and aquatic production and processing in the context of a balanced ecosystem, through effective governance, providing sustainable means of livelihood for its population towards an improved quality of life for all.

C. Framework for Development The schematic diagram shows how the various development efforts in the region are geared towards the improvement of the quality of life of the people in Western Visayas, as identified in the Regional Development Plan, 2011-2016. The development of the 18 cities and municipalities into socially and economically progressive areas that will become the center for fishery and aquatic production and processing in the context of a balanced ecosystem, through effective governance, providing sustainable means of livelihood for its population is seen to contribute towards an improved quality of life for all.

Figure 5 Development Framework of the Area Plan

The goal of sustainable management of fishery resources through efficient utilization and good governance will be attained by securing the Visayan Sea resources, advocacy for efficient and sustainable production methods and strengthening of local institutions. Improved capacities of fishers and households to benefit from the Visayan Sea will be attained by empowerment of the fishers.

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The establishment of more efficient marketing setup and upgraded infrastructure facilities will be realized with improvement to access to market and infrastructure support facilities. The tourism potentials of the Visayan Sea will be developed and promoted by developing and packaging the Visayan Sea as viable tourist destination.

V. Development Goals, Objectives and Targets A. Development Goals The major development goals of the area plan are as follows: a) Promotion of sustainable management, regulation, and protection of fishery resources through good governance ; b) Improved infrastructure facilities, institutions and processes to enhance access to market ; and c) Tourism potentials of the Visayan Sea developed and promoted.

B. Development Objectives and Targets The Area Plan aims to attain the following major development objectives by 2020: a) To promote and support the development of at least three agri-industries per enclave that have forward and backward linkages with the fishery sector and are globally competitive; b) To establish five new fishing ports and two ice and cold storage plants; c) To construct/rehabilitate 32 kilometers of access roads linked to 4 proposed new fishing ports and cold storage facilities; d) To make micro-finance available and accessible to municipal fishers and their families in the 18 cities and municipalities to support their economic enterprises; e) To establish 18 city/municipal marine protected areas and fish sanctuaries; f) To create one regional fishery and marine council; g) To strengthen 3 local government alliances and 18 city/municipal fishery councils; h) To strengthen the regulatory and enforcement powers of 18 local government units, improve their capacities in the enforcement of fishery laws/ordinances and enhance their capabilities in the prosecution of offenders; and

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i) To enhance the capability of 18 local government units, 18 community-based institutions/organizations, 18 local fishery councils and 3 local government alliances in the management, regulation, development, and protection of common pool resources.

VI. Development Strategies Goal: Sustainable management of fishery resources through efficient utilization and good governance.

A. Securing the Visayan Sea Resources 1. Identification and management of network of marine protected areas.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) such as fish refuge and sanctuaries, marine reserves, marine parks, or mangrove reserves will be identified and secured to serve as shelters for breeding stocks and larvae sources for the preservation and sustainability of local marine resources. Fish sanctuaries will be established by coastal communities in mangrove, sea grass and coral reef areas as determined by local communities with the guidance of BFAR, DENR, state colleges and universities within the area, and non-government organizations.

BFAR will assist in the assessment of critical habitats based on the migratory patterns of major marine species. Strategic areas will then be identified that will serve as sanctuaries and protected areas. LGUs, academe, NGOs and other concerned agencies will pool existing resources to rehabilitate mangroves, coral reefs and artificial reefs, regularly clean coastal areas and shorelines, do restoration for degraded areas, etc.

Together with the LGUs, protected zones will explicitly be indicated in the municipalities’ comprehensive land use plans which, later, will be operationalized through zoning ordinances and corresponding budget. BFAR will extend technical assistance in the rehabilitation of damaged coral reefs and identify suitable sites for the construction of artificial reefs with the help of community-based organizations. Coastal barangays, in collaboration with the FARMCs, will establish fishery refuge and sanctuaries in at least 15 percent of their total coastal area.

These will be developed into research sites for mangrove reforestation, coastal protection methods, and brackishwater species propagation projects.

2. Full awareness and participation of stakeholders. The best approach to effectively protect and conserve the Visayan Sea will have to involve the area’s stakeholders. These include the fishers, the coastal households, the local leaders, the state institutions, and private sector groups. They must first appreciate their critical role in ensuring that its resources are utilized responsibly.

Second, is that they must be equipped with the know-how and appropriate methods to properly conserve its resources.

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Figure 6 Areas with Existing Marine Protected Areas

Source: BFAR- VI

3. Simple, yet practical lessons on marine ecology, pollution, improper use, and illegal approaches being practiced in the Visayan Sea and their impact on the future on the area, must be imparted.

The provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays, in partnership with BFAR and other national line agencies like the DENR, DepEd, SUCs, and civic organizations will continuously provide effective information, education and communication campaigns on sustainable management of fishery resources. IEC campaigns of tri-media will be employed to secure a wider reach of audience, not only within the Plan area but also beyond.

4. Declaration of closed season. Declining fish production of sardines, mackerel and herring will be addressed by the determination and declaration of closed season for fishing in the Visayan Sea, specifically for fishers using gears that have the capacity to take long hauls and harvests. The period from December to March has been proposed to be the closed season in the portion of the Visayan Sea and adjoining waters enclosed by the line drawn through the following points and coastlines: from the mouth of Danao River on the northeastern tip of Bantayan Island to Madridejos, thru the lighthouse in Gigantes Island, to Olutaya Island, to Culasi Point in Capiz, eastward along the northern coast of Capiz to

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Bulacaue Point in Carles, Iloilo, southward along the eastern coast of Iloilo to the mouth of Talisay river, westward across the Guimaras Strait to Tomonton Point in Negros Occidental, eastward along the northern coast of the Island of Negros and back to the mouth of Danao River in Escalante, Negros Occidental.

Figure 7 Identified Areas for Declaration of Closed Season for Fishing

Source: BFAR- VI

These proposed areas will be validated through a study before becoming the basis for the declaration and implementation of a closed season. The study will generate information on the biology of the target fish species: their characteristics, areas they abound, spawning and breeding season, reproductive behavior, population dynamics and other related information. Closed season shall be declared and implemented during the breeding and spawning period of these species so that they will be matured enough to reproduce and ready for harvest after the four month-period. Closed season for other species like blueswimming crabs, and danggit may be imposed during their reproductive periods.

The authority to declare closed season in the municipal waters, i.e., 15 kilometers from the shoreline, is vested in cities and municipalities as stipulated in the Local Government Code. On the other hand, BFAR has the mandate to recommend, for approval by the DA Secretary, the declaration of closed season in national waters, i.e., beyond 15 kilometers from the shoreline as provided for in RA 8550.

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B. Advocacy for Efficient and Sustainable Production Methods 1. Educate stakeholders on coastal resource management concepts. To effectively promote the sustainable use and conservation of coastal resources, on one hand, and increase the production or maintain current levels of catch, on the other, there is a need to educate fishers, LGUs and other stakeholders about integrated coastal management concepts and approaches with a strong “fisheries management� program.

Fisheries management aims to put in place a natural rehabilitation process through law enforcement, gear restrictions, licensing, marine sanctuaries and other measures (Philippine Agenda for Fish Security: Urgent Steps towards Sustainable Fishery). Coastal municipalities will prepare their respective coastal resource management plans that will include more responsible approaches in fish production and strengthening of local institutions that will oversee and monitor plan implementation.

Coastal resource management (will bring about the optimum utilization of coastal resources like the rehabilitation of destroyed habitats, the regeneration of depleted resources, and the bringing about of sustainable management. It will delineate the habitat of fish as well as the interrelationship among the different coastal and terrestrial ecosystem, control of fishing effort, law enforcement, management and conservation of marine habitat, resource and ecological assessments.

The plan will be developed by the LGU and the community through participatory process with assistance from BFAR and DENR. It will include advocacy campaigns to make fishers and the community aware of the CRM objectives and processes.

Programs and projects in the plan would include coastal management (waste management and coastal clean-up), coastal security like the Bantay Dagat, patrol boats, improved productivity (artificial reefs and fish sanctuary), socio economic upliftment (skills enhancement like training on fish processing, canning and fish technologies), tourism development, sustainable community organization development, capacity-building for FARMCs, coops and other fishery organizations. Community participation and strengthening collaboration between formal and non-formal institutions will be a major aspect in the development and implementation of this plan, like the women’s and youth groups, local officials, FARMCs, resource management councils and the fishers themselves.

The public will be duly informed of activities that will allow their participation such as coastal clean-up, mangrove tree planting, and proper waste disposal system.

Appropriate local and national information awareness programs on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, inland fisheries protection from diseases, sustainable development and preservation of marine resources and on protection of habitats must be developed and implemented.

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2. Promote responsible aquaculture technologies. The region is one of the top exporters of fishery products in the country. Crabmeat is consistently the third top export of the region valued at $10.467 million in 2010. Currently, there are 24 blue swimming crabmeat picking plants operating in the Northern Panay and Northern Negros enclaves, the biggest number of crabmeat picking plants in the country. The development of blue swimming crab fish landing sites and crab meat picking/processing plants shall be given priority by providing the necessary support facilities and ensuring the quality of harvest. Fishery product processing plants will undergo registration. Currently, there are only 14 of the 24 fishery product processing plants that are registered with BFAR. Other top fishery products for export are juvenile anchovies (lobo-lobo) scallops and nylon shells. These are produced in Banate, Carles, Ajuy, Barotac Viejo, Concepcion, San Dionisio, Estancia, Batad, Pilar and Roxas City in the Northeastern Panay Enclave and in E. B. Magalona and Cadiz City in North Negros Occidental Enclave. Other top products that are sold outside the region are seaweeds, diwal (angel wings), cultured alimango (crabs), scallops and nylon shells which are produced in San Lorenzo in Guimaras, in Northeastern Panay and in North Negros Occidental particularly in Escalante City, Sagay City and E. B. Magalona.

These fish producing areas will be developed, starting from the setting up of nurseries, hatcheries and by procuring broodstock to supply local growers.

Technology demonstration projects/farms for aquaculture will be established, with the assistance of BFAR and the LGUs, by cooperatives or individual operators which would serve as production facilities for aquaculture species like tilapia, milkfish and catfish. BFAR will distribute agricultural inputs like quality fingerlings, feeds and cages.

In coordination with the LGUs, BFAR will provide skills training on the management and operation of the project and will oversee its implementation.

The demonstration farm will showcase the technologies/processes adopted for replication by other fishpond operators. Fish pens and fish cages will be established to minimize the problem of over fishing, destructive fishing, pollution and loss of marine habitat. They serve as alternative fish methods and source of livelihood for coastal fishers, and sustain the production of aquaculture species like milkfish, seaweeds, mussels, oysters, sea bass, groupers and siganids.

Fixed fish cage structures will be maintained by local fishing communities and LGUs. However, the establishment and operation of fish pens and fish cages will be strictly regulated by the LGUs in coordination with FARMCs, in the case of municipal waters, and by DA-BFAR outside municipal waters, to prevent future problems like obstruction of water flow that could result in flooding of coastal areas. Good fishing practices will be adopted to foster efficient aquaculture production and expansion and to help ensure the final product quality, safety, and environmental sustainability. Examples of good fishing practices are proper site location, production system design, feeding management, production techniques and sanitation practices that would ensure product quality and safety.

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3. Adopt environment-friendly fishing methods. Passive fishing gears like longline fishing, fish pots, crab pots, gill nets and lambaklad will be encouraged through regular seminars for LGUs, FARMCs, marine management councils or other inter-local cooperation groups who are expected to disseminate to their constituents. Aside from these, BFAR in coordination with the LGUs, will continue to install payaos or fish aggregating device in selected municipal waters. Payao is a floating structure topped with coconut fronds or some other similar materials that attract the fish to stay under it and is located about 2 to 7 kilometers from the shoreline. The algae or ‘lumut’ that grows on the habong will attract small fishes and small fishes on the other hand will attract bigger fishes. The installation of payao is not only livelihood assistance to fishers but also one of the measures to mitigate the ill-effects of climate change, especially during the occurrence of El Nino. Once properly managed, they can be instruments for sustainable fishery development and could enhance business opportunities in connection with other tourism-related activities.

Artificial reefs can also be used with fish aggregating devices. These are structures of natural or man-made materials placed on a body of water to serve as shelter and habitat, source of food, breeding areas for fishery species and shoreline protection. Artificial reefs are established to enhance resources in coastal waters in order to facilitate exploitation, create a biological reserve and prevent the use of certain fishing gear, particularly bottom trawls, in a given area. BFAR shall continue to encourage the putting up of artificial reefs by local communities but taking into account the current national and international regulations concerning the position, design, materials used, proper marking authorized fishing gears, etc.

Studies on mesh size selectivity will be undertaken to reduce fishing mortality and to conserve fish stocks. The study will also provide basis in the formulation of more appropriate control measures to safeguard the stability of a certain fishery resource. However, with about 500 pelagic and demersal species in the Visayan Sea, management of fish resources could be difficult. Research institutions and SUCs will, therefore, be tapped to focus on the conduct of mesh size selectivity studies as a priority research agenda for planning, monitoring and law enforcement activities, with the end in view of supporting efforts to conserve fish stocks.

C. Strengthening of Local Institutions The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is responsible for the country’s fishery resources. It has jurisdiction over the waters outside municipal waters, a vast area spanning about 84% of the territorial waters of the Philippines.

It issues licenses to commercial fishers and assists in law enforcement. It is also mandated to conduct research on the status of fisheries and a variety of other vital functions aimed at managing and utilizing Philippine fishery resources in a sustainable manner.

The Fisheries Code has opened up many avenues for better fisheries management in the country. For example, Rule 3.1 directs BFAR to coordinate with LGUs, FARMCs

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and other government agencies in the development, conservation, protection, utilization and management of fisheries and aquatic resources. Section 8 instructs BFAR to coordinate with the LGUs in the establishment of catch ceilings and closed season in municipal waters. Cities, municipalities and barangays are mandated to pass local ordinances that enhance national laws and improve specifications of fisheries management in the local context. The following strategies at various levels will be pursued: 1. Delineate roles and functions in law enforcement at all levels of governance.

At the provincial level, the Provincial Fishery Office (or the Provincial Agriculture office) and Environment and Natural Resource Office of the provinces will be tasked to standardize a province-wide licensing system for easy identification of boats and to prepare a provincial guiding framework upon which LGUs can undertake their regulatory activities.

Municipalities and cities are expected to establish functional and pro-active municipal coastal law enforcement units with allocated resources and workable logistics and basic municipal ordinances in accordance with the Fisheries Code.

As part of the multi-year coastal resource management and fisheries management plan, the municipalities will implement the following:

Delineation of municipal waters through municipal ordinance; Registration and licensing of municipal fishers, boats and gears; Color-coding of fishing boats; Establishment and management of marine sanctuaries and reserves with strict no-fishing zones larger than 10 hectares; Setting of limits on fishing access, with preferential access to resources for local fishers; Enforcement of market denial system for endangered and illegally caught species; Cooperate in Inter-LGU groups to address common issues; Enforcement of closed season and restricted areas; Prohibition of destructive and over-efficient fishing gears.

The barangays will focus on: Initiating co-management with municipalities in the implementation of various fisheries management approaches; Converging the efforts of nongovernment organizations, people’s organizations and national government agencies with the LGU framework for coastal and fisheries management; Managing marine sanctuaries and enforcing laws at the community level; Providing vital intelligence to LGU, national government agencies and the PNP on illegal activities occurring in the barangay; and Allocating counterpart funds and human resources for coastal and fisheries management activities.

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The roles and functions of LGUs, NGAs, NGOs, academes, private sectors, cooperatives, fisher organizations and other institutions will be clearly defined in the management, protection and conservation of fishery resources to avoid overlapping of functions. They will be capacitated in proper monitoring and evaluation, fishery conservation and management, natural resource management including solid waste and sewerage system for the effective conservation, protection and effective management of mangroves and coastal marine ecosystems.

LGUs will tap national agencies like DENR, DA, BFAR in building networks and alliances with NGOs, private sectors and other partners in order to generate support and commitment in the management of coastal resources and to maximize the benefits that can be derived from such resources. DENR will be in charge of rehabilitation of mangrove areas as habitat of marine life thru plantation establishment, assisted natural regeneration and other related activities that would address environmental concerns. Through community organization and trainings, local people, especially women, can strengthen their capacity to protect and wisely use the resources through an integrated approach.

Likewise, they must be involved in decision-making and development activities.

Through this partnership, local efforts in the identification and implementation of programs, projects and activities, sharing of expertise and responsibilities as well as resource mobilization could be maximized.

There is a need to encourage collaborative efforts among LGUs and other concerned agencies to undertake an inter-regional approach and policies for the proper management and conservation of the fisheries resources. Continuing dialogues among the chief executives of the four provinces of Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Cebu and Masbate will be supported and sustained. Likewise, continuing technical assistance and capability building activities shall be provided to make the FARMCs and marine management councils viable and effective vehicle in managing the common pool.

2. Strengthen Fishery Councils and LGU Alliances. In Western Visayas, 11 Resource Management Councils (RMCs) and 73 City/Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (C/MFARMCs) have been organized at the provincial, city, municipal and barangay levels to provide policy directions in the conservation and management of marine resources.

Also, there are three alliances that operate in the coastal municipalities facing Visayan Sea, namely: a) Northern Negros Aquatic Resources Management Advisory Council, which covered the cities of Cadiz, Escalante, Sagay, San Carlos, Victorias and municipalities of Manapla, Calatrava, San Salvador Benedicto and Toboso in Negros Occidental; b) Northern Iloilo Alliance for Coastal Development Inc., which covered Ajuy, Balasan, Barotac Viejo, Batad, Carles, Concepcion, Estancia, San Dionisio, Lemery and Sara; and c) BanateBarotac Bay Resource Management Council, Inc., which covered Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo and Barotac Viejo.

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These councils and LGU alliances will be strengthened to effectively carry out their functions to ensure the efficient and effective enforcement of laws and surveillance of fishing activities in the coastal areas. LGUs, in collaboration with BFAR and NGOs, will support the strengthening of these institutions to ensure the proper management and control over fisheries and aquatic resources through active and extensive participation in the management, development and protection of fisheries and aquatic resources for sustainable productivity.

Concerned agencies like DA, BFAR, DOST, DTI and other partners will capacitate these institutions and other stakeholders on value formation, the efficient use of fishing methods, fish/cage culture training, alternative livelihood trainings, product handling and safety, feed formulation and management, entrepreneurial development and organization and strengthening of fishery associations.

3. Upgrade enforcement capability of sea patrollers. To complement efforts on law enforcement by government agencies, Bantay Dagat or sea patrols have been created. Patrolling Northern Iloilo are the local bantay dagat, provincial bantay dagat and the Visayan Sea Squadron, a private entity that advocates for the sustainable management of the Visayan Sea. Commercial waters are being patrolled by the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group, which is mandated to enforce the Fisheries Code and operates independently from the local enforcement teams. With these many entities patrolling the Visayan Sea, there is a need for better coordination and cooperation in order to avoid conflict in law enforcement in the area. There should be proper venue for agencies in charge of safeguarding and sustaining the coastal areas and resources to discuss their mandates and functions to minimize duplication and waste of time, money and effort.

Concerned coastal municipalities and provincial governments will upgrade the capabilities of sea patrollers in law enforcement. Regular training on law enforcement shall be undertaken, especially for new personnel to ensure that law enforcers are within their legal rights while doing their jobs. LGUs could coordinate with professional and civic groups like the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to assist them in the conduct of these law enforcement trainings.

The acquisition of high powered speedboats with communication facilities is necessary to keep up with fast commercial fishing vessels doing illegal fishing and other violations. To augment personnel, fish wardens will be deputized by the LGUs and police officers will be detailed. The issue of operation and maintenance costs, including provision of incentives to law enforcers, may be addressed by providing a certain percentage of proceeds from fees and fines imposed to violators by the LGUs. 4. Create a task force to study the possibility of creating a special management unit for the protection and development of the Visayan Sea. Because of the critical importance of the Visayan Sea, an area-wide special management unit, following the set-up such as Laguna Lake Development Authority under the Office of the President and the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development under RA 7611, may be created that will involve the provinces of Iloilo, Negros Occidental (Region VI), Masbate (Region V) and Cebu (Region VII). Already, there

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are various activities involving the governors of these four provinces that have been initiated, like the “Governors’ Summit”, to address various issues and concerns and enhance resource management of the Visayan Sea. As this will be a special law, it is necessary that a task force be created to study thoroughly the possibility of coming up with a special management unit. This particular special management unit will closely coordinate with the LGUs and NGAs, multisectoral and interdisciplinary in nature that will be given the authority to manage, regulate and enforce environmental laws in the Visayan Sea in areas like water quality monitoring, conservation of natural resources, and community-based natural resource management. The body/unit is likewise expected to look not just the economic side of fisheries administration but also the welfare of the fishers. In studying such possibility, the task force can coordinate with partner agencies and state universities and colleges (SUCs) for research studies and discussions to have a more effective and efficient fisheries administration. The area-wide management unit will have to rationalize its role given existing regional and local organizations that are already in place.

5. Establish comprehensive regional information and database system for coastal, marine and fishery resources. A database system is necessary for a relevant and effective planning and decision making, monitoring and evaluation as well as in law enforcement of fisheries resources. BFAR can coordinate with agencies and provincial LGUs with facilities for geographic information system (GIS) and the municipal LGUs in the establishment of database system that could provide relevant information on the state of the region’s coastal resources including water quality and other environmental concerns. The inventory of fishing boats and gears in all coastal areas will be incorporated in the data base which will be updated regularly by BFAR and the concerned LGUs at the regional, provincial and municipal levels. BFAR will coordinate with other agencies like the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, the National Statistical Coordination Board, National Statistics Office and other relevant agencies and the LGUs in the establishment of a comprehensive information network system for collection, storage, and retrieval of fisheries data.

Goal: Improve capacities of fishers and households to benefit from the Visayan Sea

D. Empowerment of Fishers 1. Empower fishers, women and households.

Small fishers forfeit the advantages of economies of scale that could significantly reduce production efforts and cost in marketing their products due to lack of skills. A practical entrepreneurship training module for fishers will be developed to advance their know-how on simple business concepts, including bookkeeping and financial management, negotiation skills, price-setting and marketing.

Government agencies like BFAR, DOST, DTI, CDA and other private organizations will provide competency-building trainings as a means to empower them. These

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will include training on product analysis and promotion, product technology, (e.g., value adding, canning and processing), hygiene and sanitation, market information and efficient marketing practices, leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial management. Appropriate technology research, credit and marketing assistance will likewise be provided. Technical support will focus on emphasizing growth in value added products, increasing profitability of the fishers and exploring new markets for fish products, including export opportunities.

Women’s participation is significant in fishing activities especially on marketing.

Since most women act as traders/vendors of fish, they should be given priority in terms of capacity building. Friendly and sustainable agriculture technology shall be designed based on accessibility and viability in consultation with women’s organizations.

The BFAR shall design and promote women-friendly gears and post-harvest facilities and equipment. DA and LGUs shall ensure participation of rural women by tapping existing people’s organizations, NGOs and rural women groups in their training on food production, on marketing and in entrepreneurial activities which will add value to production and marketing ventures. Interventions to strengthen the role of women particularly as financial managers and in marketing of fishery products should be instituted. Their participation in resource management activities and in decision making in production and marketing aspects should also be encouraged.

Under the 4H clubs of DA, KALAHI CIDSS of the DSWD, and NGOs with youth programs, young fishers will be capacitated in terms of community organizing, skills enhancement, fishing technologies.

Through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program of the DepEd, out-ofschool youths and adults in the coastal areas will be brought back to the literacy classes/programs enabling them to pass the accreditation and equivalency tests conducted by the government to determine the level of learners, whether they are fit to enter college. With the erratic schedule of the children of fishers as they help their parents augment family income, the LGUs of coastal municipalities, in partnership with school divisions and stakeholders, should address low participation rate by providing ALS in the area.

Municipal fishers, crew members of commercial fishers have low educational attainment and they lack employable skills, which prevent them from seeking other employment. Given the opportunity, many fishers would want to get out of fishing as their main source of income. As Siason noted in her study, the best way to address poverty in the coastal towns is through skills and education training besides fisheries. The LGUs, BFAR and TESDA, together with the SUCs specifically NIPSC, ISCOF and NONESCOST, can establish extension campuses in selected coastal municipalities for easy access by the fishers. As a poverty alleviation strategy, technical and vocational education and training can provide greater access to employment for those financially deprived students.

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2. Develop skills on value adding and product processing. Processing of fish products like dried, salted and smoked are widely and commonly practiced by fishers. However, these do not command good prices in the market, if not properly packaged. Fishers should learn to add value to their products for better income, to keep in pace with consumers needs and to provide variety to their products.

Value added products like fish balls, fish fillet, fish nuggets, fish rolls, dumplings, kikiam, squid balls, fish tapa, fish tocino, bottled sardines, which have growing demand in the local market will be further promoted.

Assistance will be provided in adding value to fishery products like improving market forms such as fillets (bangus, tilapia, carp, etc), steaks (tangigue, tuna), split/deboned (bangus) and customization. Also, fishers will be taught how to process convenience food like battered and breaded products and breakfast/ dinner/lunch packs. Fishery products could also be fortified with calcium, beta carotene, vitamins, etc. BFAR, DTI, private sector, LGUs and SUCs could assist the fishers through training as well as in installation of food carts and other assistance.

3. Broaden access to affordable credits/loans for small fishers. Usually, micro finance and credits/loans for small fishers can be accessed through village money lenders, sari-sari stores, komisyonan, private individual and lending agencies. However, these credit providers usually demand higher interest rates which are not affordable to small fishers. Although there are NGOs (e.g., Taytay sa Kauswagan, Inc.), and government institutions (Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines and other government and finance institutions) offering low interest rates, more often, fishers find them inaccessible and too complicated because of many documentary requirements and longer processing time. Accessibility of these loans can be broadened by strengthening the cooperatives, FARMCs and other organizations that could serve as vehicles for credit assistance.

Goal: More Efficient Marketing Set-up Infrastructure Facilities Upgraded

Established

and

E. Improvement of Access to Market 1. Reduce marketing channels. The market flow of fishery products starts from fishers to compradors or middlemen then to retailers and finally to the consumers. Since middlemen operating in various stages of marketing have the financial and logistical resources, they could control the prices of fishery products. With many marketing channels, small fishers could barely attain the maximum return for their investments and these can be reduced if functional organizations or cooperatives are present in the area to assist them in getting better prices for their products by reducing the marketing channels and link

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them to the end-users. Cooperative fishery enterprises should be strengthened in the areas of marketing, product handling and financial management in order to ensure quality fishery products and better prices for the consumers. This can likewise link fishers to wider and productive markets which can provide them the benefits of the economies of scale in managing the wide range of activities from production and processing to transport and distribution.

2. Widen market niche for local and export fishery products. Western Visayas is the top producer of brackish water products, specifically bangus.

Iloilo bangus, known for its unique savory taste, can compete with other coastal fishes. Aggressive promotion and product branding shall be done to launch or introduce the locally-produced bangus in order to develop its own market niche outside the region, preferably in Metro Manila and Cebu and be able to compete with similar products from other regions. On the other hand, the region, being one of the country’s major producers of prawn, tuna, and other fish products, can also improve marketing linkages for these local fishery products.

Export markets for local fishery products can be developed by pooling of resources for joint local/export promotion programs such as fishery trade fairs and exhibits, incoming/outgoing trade missions, market surveys and research in markets of interest to the business community. Orientation and capacity building activities, institutionalization of an export culture to fishery organizations and local alliances as well as the training of pool of export-oriented trainers to guide the exporters with respect to export procedures, documentation and market entry requirements can be done. Likewise, sectoral forums shall be held to capture issues affecting the exporting firms and respond to them, as well as, channel the issues raised to relevant authorities. There is also a need to determine the products, distribution channels and promotional techniques to be applied to gain the biggest share of the various target markets.

DA-BFAR shall continue to promote the export of high-value fishery products to international markets. It shall continue to promote technological development, project financing and marketing to strengthen the thrust towards value adding processing and gaining entry into regional export markets. Market matching sessions will be conducted to identify prospective areas for investment in cold chain facilities to help strengthen the region’s position as a source of various fishery products and an emerging player in the supply of fresh and processed fish products for prospective exports. Market facilities should be in place and should comply with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification on food safety and hygiene as well as customer satisfaction to meet the international standards required for exportation 3. Improve market access through ICT. Access to useful and interactive information can be easy through use of communication facilities like mobile phones, internet and televisions. The use of ICT enables both fishers, producers and consumers in accessing valuable information such as prices, market or trade opportunities which could reduce marketing and promotion costs. This can empower fishers to realize their potential as business people as they directly engage in bargaining processes with their customers and the customers, on

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the other hand, have access to find out where the best quality and well-price products are in the market.

The use of mobile phones can also correct market inefficiencies therefore, regaining the balance in the supply market. The information and services that could be available through these technologies would prevent exploitation by middlemen or traders, provide employment opportunities (particularly for rural women), reduce information gaps, save cost and time, and strengthen access of service providers to rural people. The improvement in the information flows between the buyers and sellers make for a more effective bartering of information without traveling. This is particularly significant in rural areas where traders need to travel to urban areas simply to check for demand and negotiate prices.

ICT eliminates the need for middle men and journeys as traders could make sure that demand for their products exists even before leaving their rural homes.

With the upgraded ICT facilities, access to local and international markets could be possible.

4. Develop capacity of fishery market stakeholders for the improvement of quality products and linkaging. Seminars, fora or summits are venues which will bring together local and international suppliers and exhibitors, highlighting the latest technologies and inputs that will improve sustainability of the fisheryrelated industries. Manufacturers, dealers and representatives from public and private markets, supermarkets, restaurants and food chains, processing and export companies, and employee associations can share their experience on improved technologies and market accessibility.

DOST, DA-BFAR, with local fishery schools, research organizations will continue to conduct training for fishers focusing on the tools used in ecosystem approach to fisheries/aquaculture. Fishers, through cooperatives and organized groups, will be capacitated to improve fisheries governance and in fisheries planning and management through these forums. Through these forums and summits, the academe and research institutions like the WESVARDECC could assist them in linking to bigger markets. These forums/summits could feature technology and business forums for fishers, extension workers, researchers, buyers and suppliers and the general public. Best practices, latest products and technologies will be showcased. Experts and exhibitors from government, private organizations and businesses involved in marketing, product packaging, processing, and other latest technology on fisheries could serve as resource persons in these forums/ summits. The participation of fishers and other stakeholders could be facilitated by local government units and organized fishery councils.

F. Improvement of Infrastructure Support The provision of a technologically-advanced fish port and post-harvest facilities and related services is critical to the fishing industry that significantly contributes to the country’s food security. For the coastal areas bordering the Visayan Sea, fishing ports and post harvest facilities are essential so that fish catch can be immediately sold, stored, processed and shipped to markets. Thus, the provision of ports for

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many coastal towns is indispensable to full economic development of these towns (Israel et al., 2000). Likewise, technologically advanced fish ports and post-harvest facilities and related services are indispensable for a sustainable fishing industry.

The following are the strategies to modernize post-production facilities: 1. Prepare development plan for fish ports to make them fully functional. A development plan for the 18 fish ports in the Municipalities of Concepcion, Batad, Estancia and Carles in Iloilo; Roxas City and Pilar in Capiz; EB Magalona, Cadiz, Sagay and Escalante in Negros Occidental will be prepared and corresponding budgetary allocation for implementation will be provided. The development plan will, at the very least, include: landing quays long enough to accommodate fishing boats even during low tides, market hall, warehouse and ice plant for proper storage, water supply and electric system, access road and parking area, administration building, canteen, drainage and sewage system, public toilet, perimeter fence, port lighting and guard house.

The Local Waterworks and Utilities Administration shall fastrack the development of water supply system in the municipalities of Pilar, Concepcion and Estancia.

On the other hand, the Department of Health, under its priority program of providing safe water supply to “waterless municipalities� shall establish water supply systems in Balasan, Carles, Sagay City and Escalante City on CY 2012.

The towns of Buenavista, San Lorenzo and Barotac Viejo will be targeted on CY 2013.

2. Improve physical access to local and international markets. Access to local and international markets will be enhanced by providing the necessary infrastructure support to improve links from production areas to existing and proposed markets. The major local markets of fishery products of the region are Iloilo City, Bacolod City, Roxas City, Boracay Island (Malay, Aklan) and outside the region, Metro Manila and Metro Cebu.

Farm to market roads that will connect to main highways (e.g. Iloilo East CoastCapiz Road, Guimaras Circumferential Road and the Bacolod North Road) will be improved in order to interconnect all the municipalities identified as influence areas of the Visayan Sea. More roads and bridges between major production areas and potential markets will be constructed and rehabilitated and Roll-on roll-off (RORO) facilities to major airports will be upgraded for easy transport of fishery products.

These will involve the rehabilitation/construction of access roads to and from seaweeds production areas in San Lorenzo, Guimaras, Estancia, Iloilo and Escalante and Sagay in Negros Occidental, to the highways that connect to the main markets in Iloilo City and Bacolod City as well as those that lead to airports and seaports linking to Cebu City and Metro Manila. The seaweed products from Estancia are brought to Manila using the RORO system, i.e. from Estancia Port or Capiz Seaport through Caticlan- Roxas Mindoro-Calapan-Batangas routes and to Cebu through Iloilo-Bacolod-Cebu routes. Seaweed products are also brought to Davao through plane via Iloilo airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo. On the other hand, seaweeds from Escalante and Sagay, Negros Occidental are brought to

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Manila and Cebu through the RORO facilities via Iloilo - Bacolod and Cebu routes.

Angel wings (diwal) and scallops are sought- after shell products from the region.

From Roxas City and Pilar in Capiz, Carles, Estancia, Batad, Concepcion and San Dionisio in Iloilo, these shell products are brought to Manila and Cebu through planes via Roxas Airport in Roxas City and to Iloilo City through delivery trucks. On the other hand, nylon shells from Concepcion and Estancia, Iloilo are delivered to Manila through planes, via Roxas Airport and from EB Magalona, Negros Occidental via Silay Airport.

Crabmeats, juvenile anchovies (lobo-lobo), nylon shells and scallops are among the major fish exports of the region. Crabs from the sea are brought to picking plants in Banate and Concepcion (Iloilo Province), Roxas City (Capiz), and Cadiz City, Victorias City and Manapla (Negros Occidental) for picking and are chilled in styrofoam boxes to be brought to main plants for processing and packaging.

These processing plants include Phillip Seafoods in Roxas City; Heron Point Phil Corporation in Estancia, Iloilo; Orient Cold Storage Inc. and Sarabia Blue Crab, Inc. in Bacolod City, Byrd International Inc. in Manapla and Phil. Union Frozen Foods, Inc. in Cebu City. Products are delivered to markets through delivery trucks. Pasteurized canned crabmeat are delivered through refrigerated containers/vans through shipping boats to Manila and then for export to other countries like US and Japan.

Juvenile anchovies from Carles, Concepcion and San Dionisio, Iloilo are brought to municipal landing areas or directly to fish processing plants via land transportation. Frozen lobo-lobo products are transported through refrigerated vans from Iloilo to Manila for export to Taiwan. Frozen scallops from Roxas City, Pilar, Carles, Estancia, Batad, Concecion and San Dionisio are brought to Manila through RORO system (Caticlan- Roxas Mindoro-Calapan-Batangas routes) to Manila from where it will be exported to Taiwan. Fresh nylon shells from Concepcion, Estancia in Iloilo, and EB Magalona in Negros Occidental are exported to Hongkong through the nearest airports in Roxas and Silay Cities to Manila, respectively, while frozen cooked nylon shells from San Dionisio, Iloilo and Bacolod Plants are brought to Taiwan via Capiz and Bacolod seaports to Manila.

3. Establish/Improve new fishing ports in major fish landing areas. Local bagsakan or landing areas/sites will be established in strategic places or in municipalities without landing sites to provide greater access to fishers in marketing their products. New fishing ports in major fish landing areas, particularly in the municipalities of Ajuy and San Dionisio in the Northeastern Panay, and Buenavista and San Lorenzo in Northern Guimaras, will be established subject to the conduct of feasibility study.

The Iloilo East Coast-Capiz Road, Guimaras Circumferential Road and the Bacolod North Road interconnect all the municipalities identified as influence areas of the Visayan Sea. These main arterial road networks are already in place but farm-to-market roads (FMRs) that could link the new fishing ports will have to be constructed or rehabilitated. New roads will be constructed and existing ones shall be rehabilitated or improved to provide access to the municipalities of Barotac Viejo, Ajuy, San Dionisio and Balasan in Northeastern Panay, Manapla

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in Northern Negros and Buenavista and San Lorenzo in Northern Guimaras.

The DA will collaborate closely with LGUs, DPWH and other stakeholders in the planning, prioritization and construction of FMRs, with significant impact on the transport of fishery commodities.

Figure 8 Proposed Fishing Ports and Cold Storage Plant

4. Identify and Pursue PPP Projects and Ventures. There are a number of possible projects that can be undertaken by government in partnership with the private sector that will support the development of areas around the Visayan Sea. Among others, these include:

Blast-freezing facilities Ice plants and storage Refrigerated vans and trucking/hauling services Boat manufacturing and maintenance Fish and marine products processing Trading and consolidating posts Research and laboratory services Packaging and freight

A meeting with potential investors will be initiated to draw their attention to the area and present the many opportunities it can offer that have good returns on investment. LGUs will institute investment incentive schemes to entice more businesses in their respective jurisdictions.

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5. Install proper drainage and sewage systems and wastewater treatment facilities. To minimize or contain the pollution in fish ports, proper drainage and sewage systems and wastewater treatment facilities will be installed.

6. Identify and Prioritize Research and Technology Infrastructure. Pursuant to the AFMA, the DA, in collaboration with other agencies, are tasked to prioritize and provide the funding for R & D infrastructure such as farm/fishery laboratories and demonstration farms, in partnership with state universities and colleges (SUCs). For the Visayan Sea area, the DA, BFAR, DOST, and SUCs will upgrade existing R & D and IT facilities, create a Central Analytical Service Laboratory; a Fishery and Coastwise Information Technology Infrastructure for Accelerated Information Access, Processing and Analysis, and modernize and operationalize the information, education and communication center for fishery marine research.

The SUCs will prioritize their research agenda and develop R & D proposals for co-financing with the DA, DOST, and CHED. These SUCs include IloiIo State College of Fisheries, Northern Negros State College of Fisheries and Technology in Sagay City and the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences of UPV- Miag-ao.

Goal: Develop and promote tourism potentials of the Visayan Sea.

G. Development and Packaging of Visayan Sea Enclaves as Viable Tourist Destinations 1. Develop tourism circuits. The rich tourism potentials of the Visayan Sea shall be developed and promoted. Thematic tourism shall be pursued by LGUs, in coordination with the DOT and private sector, with the concept of tourism circuits that highlights the uniqueness of each enclave. Northeastern Panay will be promoted for its seafood, marine and adventure attractions, as well as its centuries-old churches, museums, beaches and other landmarks. Together with its agri-tourism potentials, Northern Guimaras enclave will be packaged for its beaches, islets, falls, caves, as well as religious and historical sites. The North Negros Occidental enclave will be promoted for adventure, culture and heritage tourism.

The fishery industry shall be in the circuits’ business theme. Fishponds along the coast shall host restaurants that include fishing on the side and marshlands can showcase species and animals that will interest environmentalists and nature lovers.

2. Develop and package fishery activities as part of tourism attraction of the Visayan Sea. The coasts can provide other opportunities such as ecotourism and aquaculture that the fishers can engage. The LGUs, in partnership with other stakeholders, can assist the fishers by providing them with capital to complement ecotourism and/or directly assist ecotourism as well as aquaculture investments in the area.

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3. Explore potentials for marine sports. The potentials of the Visayan Sea for marine sports will be highlighted in tourism promotion. With its pleasant weather and calm sea for the most part of the year, the area could play host to water and marine sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, water skiing, sports fishing and others. River cruising, like that of the Himogaan River Cruise on a floating restaurant in Sagay, can form part of the attraction.

Sports associations will be encouraged to spearhead activities in marine sports tourism and hotel and restaurant associations in food tourism. This will be done in close coordination with LGUs and local tourism councils.

VII. Policies, Programs, Projects and Activities A. Policy Reforms 1. The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (RA 8550) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations must be amended, particularly on the following:

Prohibited Acts a) Use of several layers of legally allowed fish nets for fishing that effectively result in the use of fine mesh nets, which is not allowed. There is a need to amend Sec. 89 of RA 8550 or its Implementing Rules and Regulations to clarify this issue because, while it does not allow the use of fine mesh nets, it does not prohibit the use of several layers of fish nets of legal size that, when overlaid, would result to fine mesh nets. b) Section 96 of the Fisheries Code penalizes fishing in fishery reserves, refuge and sanctuaries as declared by the Department of Agriculture. However, there is no provision to cover fishing activities in sanctuaries declared by LGUs, PAMBs, and other duly constituted authorities as protected areas.

These bodies, therefore, can only act within the limits provided them by law in imposing penalties to those who encroach in their own declared sanctuaries, reserves and refuge. In the case of the LGUs, which derive their power to prescribe criminal penalties from the Local Government Code of 1991, the penalties that could be imposed are lower than what the RA 8550 prescribes, notwithstanding the fact that the coastal areas managed by municipal and city governments, are more fragile than those areas found beyond the municipal waters. Thus, Section 96 of RA 8550 should be amended to take this concern into consideration.

Administrative Processes and Penalties RA 8550 provides for administrative penalties for violators like suspension and cancellation of permits and licenses. However, only BFAR could impose these penalties but not the local government units. Although the LGUs could impose

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administrative penalties to offenders of fishery laws as provided under the Local Government Code of 1991, their power is limited. For example, in the imposition of penalties, city and municipal LGUs could only impose a maximum of P2,500 per violation. There could be no uniformity in the imposition of administrative sanctions imposed by the LGUs because the penalties are prescribed by ordinances that the LGU legislates and is applicable only in its jurisdiction.

The IRR of the Code could be amended to consider vesting on local government units and other authorities (like the PAMB) the power to impose sanctions and other penalties, which may include the forfeiture of fishing vessels, gears and catch and imposition of fines. These fines and penalties should redound directly to the LGUs instead of going into the national treasury as these are viable sources of funds to manage the coastal and aquatic resources of the municipality.

Law Enforcement The formation of composite teams to enforce fishery laws should be institutionalized. Through institutionalization, law enforcement groups can be chosen, trained and recognized as well as provided maintenance and support.

Institutionalization can also be the key to disciplining law enforcers and set standards for operating procedures, especially in ensuring the safety and adequacy of law enforcement teams.

Composite teams are normally composed of various stakeholders from the community. They divide tasks according to their specialization while allowing each to check on each other. Thus, composite teams are similarly expected to prevent corruption within its ranks. Certainly, there are areas where composite teams will not work for one reason or another – sour relationships, among them – so that it will not always be a good set-up. The law should, however, encourage the formation of composite teams whenever appropriate.

Prosecution and Filing of Cases a) Citizens suits. The need to widen access to courts for legal remedies is well established. The present legal system already recognizes this in matters concerning environment. Thus, the newer pieces of environmental legislation, i.e., the Clean Air Act and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, already contain citizen suit provisions. Section 52 of the Ecological and Solid Waste management Act, for instance, provides that any citizen may file an appropriate civil, criminal or administrative action in the proper courts/bodies against any person, implementing agency, or public official who violates or fails to comply with the provision of this law. This provision may also be considered in the amendment of the Fisheries Code or its implementing rules and regulations with safeguards provided against abuse of the use of citizen suits.

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b) Suits and Strategic Legal Action against Public Participation (SLAPP).

Protecting the public against harassment suits can also be done through an anti-SLAPP provision. The incorporation of Section 53 of Ecological and Solid Waste Management Act in the Fisheries Code should also be considered. This provision provides that investigation should be done within 30 days to determine whether citizen suits brought against a person who filed an action as provided in Sec. 52 of this Act, or against any person, institution or government agency that implements this Act has been filed to harass, vex, exert undue pressure or stifle such legal recourses of the person complaining of or enforcing the provisions of this Act. Currently there are numerous bills in congress that are pushing for the creation of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources as well as for amendments to RA 8550 or the Fisheries code. These bills are under study by the Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources. Some of these bills are expected to be passed into law.

2. Support the proposal to retain 80 percent of the remittances for fisheries from R & D activities and the establishment of trust receipt fund for fisheries. Under the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA), the DA is mandated to enhance, support and consolidate the existing National Research Development System in Agriculture and Fisheries (NaRDSAF) for research and development. BFAR has existing regional Technology/Research Outreach Stations, laboratories and support facilities that cater to the research and development activities in the region. These stations are mandated to conduct fisheries studies and showcase applicable fisheries-related technologies in an actual business climate for subsequent adaptation by the fishers. These facilities can be self-sustaining and self-generating, as it generate income from researches and agribusiness demonstrations projects.

In order to sustain its operations and produce more technologies beneficial to fishers, the Visayas Zonal Agriculture and Fisheries Research & Development Cluster passed a resolution proposing for the automatic retention in the region of 80 percent of the income generated from these technologies and researches, rather than automatically remitting to the National Treasury. This proposal is based on the special provisions of Section V of the Republic Act No. 6642, otherwise known as General Appropriations Act (GAA), CY 1988, authorizing the Department of Agriculture to establish and maintain a Revolving Fund or Fund 162 where proceeds out of the sales of animals, meat and other animal products shall constitute a revolving fund for the promotion and development of the livestock, poultry and dairy industries.

Also, the DA is mandated to establish and maintain Fund 163 where proceeds from the sale of certified seeds and plant materials, etc. shall constitute a revolving fund. The said Act authorizes the DA to establish Trust Receipts to constitute deposits for surveys and sale of research products and other works undertaken by the DA that should be automatically appropriated for operation and maintenance of laboratories, conservation projects and research stations.

Similar provisions can be given to BFAR where a Trust Fund shall be established solely for income generated from activities and researches related to fishery.

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LGUs will create a special development fund wherein one percent will be collected from all the municipal revenues generated from fishing port operations. The fund will augment the budgetary requirements for the fish port development plan. Also, the continuing appropriations for the implementation of Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) and the Fisheries Code, particularly for fishery infrastructure development will be pursued. In allocating funds, priority shall be given to those municipalities that lack the necessary fishery facilities, but subject to their capability to sufficiently produce.

B. Programs, Projects and Activities The proposed programs, projects and activities of the Area Plan are intended to promote the conservation and protection of fishery resources and increase the productivity and capacity of the fishers and the fishing communities in the 18 identified areas covered by the Area Plan. These PPAs, which are consistent with the goals and objectives of the plan, will be implemented by the lead agency, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, in coordination with the local government units, other line agencies and the private sector.

In identifying these PPAs, the seven strategic themes formulated to address the development challenges and to enhance the potentials of the Visayan Sea were considered. These are Securing the Visayan Sea Resources, Advocacy for Efficient and Sustainable Production Methods, Strengthening of Local Institutions, Empowerment of Fishers, Improvement of Access to Market, Improvement of Infrastructure Support and Development and Packaging of the Visayan Sea Enclaves as Viable Tourist Destinations.

In securing the integrity of the Visayan Sea resources, programs and projects on environment-friendly fishing practices like the establishment of marine protected areas and artificial reefs will be given due attention. Studies for the declaration and implementation of closed season in the Visayan Sea as well as impacts of fish sanctuaries will be conducted.

Programs, projects and activities for the efficient and sustainable production methods include capability building activities on the production of fishery products like seaweeds, groupers, tilapia and mud crab as well as fish seed production and distribution. The establishment of demonstration farms, hatcheries for non-traditional species like the blue crab, seaweed processing plants, cages for groupers, tilapia and other species, among others, were also identified. The formulation of Coastal Resource Management Plans of the 18 coastal cities and municipalities, which will purposely define conservation and protection measures that will address the resource depletion and overfishing in the Visayan Sea as well as improvement of fishery production and productivity will be prioritized.

Local government units and other Institutions like the FARMCs and inter-LGU alliances will be strengthened particularly on enforcement of fishery laws and effective management of fishery resources. Coastal law enforcement units will be established and related research and development studies to assess impacts of

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fishery programs will be conducted. The involvement of the private sector groups, academes and non-government organizations will be deliberately encouraged.

Fishers and their households will be empowered through the conduct of capabilitybuilding trainings on value- adding of fishery products. Skills and product development training program for women beneficiaries focusing on shell craft for fashion jewelries, home decors, gifts, ornamental, souvenir items, and other items made of seashells or waste materials from shellfish and crustaceans will also be undertaken.

Access to markets will be enhanced with programs and projects on the organization and strengthening of cooperative fishery enterprises, market linkages and network promotion, market matching and credit facilitation, product marketing assistance, and credit financing. The conduct of seminars, forums and summits and product value adding will also be undertaken.

In order to achieve productivity, the various support infrastructure facilities such as the fish landing area, cold storage building, ice plant and cold storage facilities like modular blast freezers, solar dryers, access roads, water systems including the improvement of RORO facilities will be undertaken.

With its rich tourism potentials for marine sports, the three enclaves in the Visayan Sea wiIl be developed and promoted. Community-based tourism development programs, promotion and marketing and training of fishers and their households on hospitality management will be undertaken.

These PPAs, costing around P14.7 billion, are proposed to be implemented within the planning period of 2011-2020 through National Government funding in coordination with the local government units and the private sector. Two projects, the ongoing Shellcraft Project (Island Based Marine Waste Materials Utilization for Women’s Livelihood) and the proposed Tri-Techno-Demo Abalone Production Project are funded by the KR2 Project, a Grant Assistance of the Government of Japan and managed by NEDA. These two projects, costing almost P6 million are implemented by state colleges, NIPSC and NONESCOST. It is envisioned that through the implementation of these PPAs, the plight of the lowly fishers and their children will be enhanced and an improved quality of life of the various families in the 18 municipalities of Iloilo, Capiz and Negros Occidental will be achieved.

39

40

Major activities are: territorial delineation of the municipal waters, control of fishing effort, law enforcement, management and conservation of marine habitat, resource and ecological assessments, community organizing and involvement of LGUs in the preparation of the CRM Plan 2. Updating of Integrated Coastal Resource Management (ICM) Plan BFAR

A. Securing the Visayan Sea Resources 1. Coastal Resource BFAR Management

Government Agency

Cities and municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea

Cities and municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea

Spatial Location

Preparation/Updating of ICM with strong “fisheries management” to include interventions that would help the natural rehabilitation process through law enforcement, gear restrictions, licensing, marine sanctuaries and other measures

Support to fish sanctuaries and fish habitat through artificial activities reef project, conduct of habitat and water assessment and resource monitoring

Short Description

2013-2020

2011-2020

Period of Implementation

Table 2 Area Development Investment Program, 2011-2020

2,200

1,152,000

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG, LGUs

NG

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP

Remarks

41

Spatial Location

BFAR

BFAR

BFAR

6. Artificial Reef Installation

7. Monitoring of Artificial Reef Projects

Inventory of fishing boats and gears and resources in the areas

Short Description

Conserving the natural environment, its surrounding waters and the ecosystems. This will involve: Monitoring of Fish Sanctuaries Conduct of Research Studies on Fish Sanctuaries and on Socio- Economic impacts of Fish sanctuaries in Region VI All cities and Monitoring and municipalities establishment of fish covered by the sanctuaries/ artificial Area Plan reefs/ fish refuges All cities and Installation of artificial municipalities reefs as breeding areas covered by the for fish Area Plan All cities and municipalities covered by the Area Plan

Coastal communities covered by Area Plan BFAR, DENR, Coastal comLGUs munities covered by Area Plan

BFAR

5. Artificial Reef Project & Management of Established ARs

4. Establishment of Fish Sanctuaries (Marine Protected Areas)

3. Inventory of Fishing Boats & Gears

Government Agency

2013-2020

2013-2020

2013-2020

2011-2020

2013-2020

Period of Implementation

7,776

1,647

22,680

1,150

18,000

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG

NG

ODA

NG/LGU

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP NG/LGU/ SUC

70 units at Btac Viejo; 30 units at Carles On-going

Remarks

42

11. Integrated Coastal Resource Management Program

9. Training of Fisherfolks on: CRM Planning and Municipal CRM Plan Formulation; Municipal Fisheries Ordinance Preparation; Fisheries Law Enforcement (Monitoring Control and Surveillance), Solar Salt Making in Polyethylene Plastics and Abalone Culture 10. Fish Health Management and Inspection

8. Conduct of studies for the declaration and implementation of closed season for other species, eg., Bluecrab, in the Visayan Sea

Spatial Location

Prov. of Capiz, (OPA)

BFAR

BFAR

Capiz

Cities and municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea

Cities and municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea

BFAR, private Visayan sector, SUC, Seawide DOST, DA (BAR)

Government Agency

Provision of laboratory services in support to National Residue Program, aquatic animal disease control and investigation of fish kills Formulation and implementation of an integrated coastal and freshwater resources

Provision of training/ technical assistance and recent updates on fishery laws, rules and regulation and implementation.

Conduct of studies for the declaration and implementation of closed season in the Visayan Sea

Short Description

2011-2020

2013-2020

2013-2020

2011-2016

Period of Implementation

2,000

15,170

10,800

15,000

Investment Cost (P’000)

LGU

NG

NG

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP NG

NG component to be reviewed

by BFAR; SUC component by DOST

Remarks

43 Prov. of Capiz, (OPA)

BFAR

12. Establishment Of MultiSpecies Marine Fish Hatchery

13. Assessment of municipal fisheries in the Visayan Sea through data system profiling

Government Agency management plan for Capiz. Focus will be on the following aspects:

Short Description

1. Baseline Data Generation 2. Regulatory and Law Enforcement 3. Research and Development 4. Institutional Development 5. Alternative Livelihood Capiz Establishment of a multi-species marine fish hatchery capable of producing milkfish, mud crab, grouper, snapper and other high value fish seeds (fry, fingerlings, crablets) for Capiz fishpond and mariculture operators Cities and Total inventory of fishing municipalities boats and gears and covered by the studies on mesh size Visayan Sea selectivity

Spatial Location

2012-2020

2011-2012

Period of Implementation

100

15,000

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG/SUC/ LGU

LGU

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP

Remarks

44 LGU

BFAR, LGUs

17. Establishment of Marine Protected Areas

LGU, DENR

BFAR

16. Survey and Mapping Mangrove Area Sea Grass Area Underwater Survey

15. Mangrove Reforestration

14. Stock Assessment Program

Government Agency Short Description

Implementation of National Stock Assessment Program in Visayan Sea which include the identification of various species of fish, etc.

Coastal Cities This will involve and municipali- Training on nursery ties covered establishment by the Area Nursery Plan in Negros establishment Occidental Establishment of billboards Mangrove planting and maintenance Coastal Identification of existing Cities and resources in the locality municipalities covered by the Area Plan in Negros Occidental Coastal This will imvolve: Cities and Establishment of municipalities Marker Bouy covered by Creation of MPA the Area Plan Management Board] in Negros Provision of Training Occidental on MPA Management

Cities and municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea

Spatial Location

2011-2020

2011-2020

2011-2020

2013-2020

Period of Implementation

6,000

2,000 1,000 3,000

6,150

16,245

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG/LGU

LGU LGU LGU

NG/LGU

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP NG

Remarks

45

4.

3.

2.

B. 1.

Spatial Location Short Description

Conduct MPA Planning Workshop Establishment of Billboards Advocacy for Efficient and Sustainable Production Methods Establishment of BFAR, LGUs Cities and Establishment of Technology Demonstration municipalities fishery demo projects Farms covered by the to showcase different Visayan Sea technologies for adoption by fishers Freshwater Aquaculture BFAR Cities and Stock ing of fish Projects municipalities fingerlings in depleted Tilapia Culture covered by the inland bodies Catfish Culture Visayan Sea Tilapia Culture in Cages Establishment of fish BFAR Technically The establishment of cages and fish pens suitable mufish cages and fish pens nicipalities shall be strictly managed covered by the and accompanied with Area Plan good fishing practices e.g. proper siting, production system design , feeding management, sanitation practices, etc.

Tri-Techno-Demo Abalone LGU-SUCs Batad and Establishment of Production Project Carles, Iloilo abalone- techno-demo and farms in three Sagay, Negros project sites involving Occ. technologies on Floating

Government Agency

2011

2013-2020

2013-2020

2011-2016

Period of Implementation

5,000

1,500

450 300 450

27,083

Investment Cost (P’000)

ODA NEDA-KR2

NG

NG NG NG

NG

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP

Proposed

Remarks

46 BFAR

Prov. of Capiz, (OPA)

8. Establishment Of MultiSpecies Marine Fish Hatchery

BFAR

6. Fish Seed Production and Distribution

7. Training and Technical Assistance to Fishers

BFAR

5. Grouper Cage culture

Government Agency

Capiz

Regionwide

Bulanon, Sagay, Negros Occ. And technically qualified municipalities covered by the Area Plan Cities and municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea

Spatial Location

Production of quality seed stock, fingerlings for distribution to fishers to increase fish production Provision of knowledge and skills training, and advisory services on aquaculture and municipal fisheries The Project involves the establishment of a multi-species marine fish hatchery capable of producing milkfish, mud crab, grouper, snapper and other high value fish seeds (fry, fingerlings,

Modular Cage Culture, Monoline and Submerged Wooden Cages Establishment of cages for grouper

Short Description

2011-2020

2011-2020

2011-2020

2012-2020

Period of Implementation

15,000

44,509

10,747

1,130

Investment Cost (P’000)

LGU

NG

NG

NG/ Coop

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP

On-going

Remarks

47 BFAR

Prov. of Capiz, (OPA)

10. Integrated Fish Processing Complex

11. Establishment of Hatcheries for NonTraditional Species

Prov. of Capiz, (OPA)

9. Upgrading of the CapizAgri-aqua Laboratory

Government Agency crablets) for CapizeĂąo fishpond and mariculture operators

Short Description

Water quality monitoring (E. coli, BOD & other environmental parameters) Capiz The Project involves the establishment of an integrated fish processing complex.

It will include product development/ packaging and marketing of freshchilled or frozen fish , a cold storage facility, Refrigerated vans. The facilities of this complex will also be used also as a training center.

Extension services will be designed to improve fish handling practices of fisherfolks, fish vendors and fish handlers Cities and Provision of hatchery municipalities facilities for rearing and covered by the spawning of gravid blue Visayan Sea crab, brood stock

Capiz

Spatial Location

2011-2020

2011-2020

2011-2020

Period of Implementation

30,000

27,000

4,000

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG

LGU

LGU

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP

Remarks

48

16. Aquaculture Input Assistance

BFAR/LGUs

BFAR/LGUs

BFAR

BFAR

13. Rehabilitation of Tilapia Culture in Cage

14. Freshwater Tilapia Culture in Bamboo Cages 15. Distribution of Fishing Gears / Paraphernalia

BFAR

12. Establishment of Seaweed Processing Plant

Government Agency Short Description

Cities and municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea

Provision of project inputs for improved aquaculture production of fish farmers

development, natural food culture facilities, larval rearing and related component structure and support facilities Sibunag, Provision of natural Guimaras drying and storage facilities and equipment for initial processing of seaweeds Buenavista, Rehabilitation of cage Guimaras modules for tilapia culture Buenavista, Installation of bamboo Guimaras cages for tilapia culture Cities and Distribution of ecomunicipalities friendly fishing gears covered by the to fishers to increase Visayan Sea fish catch and provide additional livelihood

Spatial Location

2011-2016

2011-2016

2012

2012

2014

Period of Implementation

10,600

4,320

77

87

19,000

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG/LGUs

ODA

LGU

LGU

NG

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP

500 units crab pots (Carles); 80units fish pots/ municipality (Carles; Ajuy)

On-going

On-going

Remarks

49

BFAR, LGUs

BFAR

Short Description

415

9,600

2011-2016

2011-2016

Assistance to individuals and fisherfolk associations in accessing credit financing Conduct of studies on creation of regional steering committee, and special management units to improve fisheries resource management, creation of special trust funds for enforcement of fishery laws

419,670

2,500

200

Investment Cost (P’000)

2011-2016

2011-2020

2011-2016

Period of Implementation

Training of FARMCs in effective management of fishery resources

Provision of financial/ technical support to maintenance of hatcheries of other fish species Coastal Cities Provision of alterbnative and municipali- livelihood projects while ties covered preserving and protecting by the Area the coastal marine Plan in Negros resources Occidental

Cities and municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea

Spatial Location

C. Strengthening of Institutions 1. Strengthening of FARMCs BFAR, LGUS C/M/FARMCs and Alliances of coastal areas along the Visayan Sea 2. Assistance to Fishers BFAR Cities and Association municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea 3. Conduct studies in SUCs, BFAR- Cities and creation of structures DA, Congree, municipalities to strengthen local RDC covered by the governance Visayan Sea

18. Provision of Supplemental Livelihood for Organized Coastal Communities

17. Maintenance of Hatcheries of Other Species

Government Agency

NG

NG

NG

NG/LGU

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP NG

Remarks

50 BFAR

LGUs, DepED, NGOs

6. Improvement of elementary and secondary school facilities and provision of corresponding personnel in coastal areas

BFAR

5. Fishery Extension Development

4. Production of IEC Materials

Government Agency Short Description

This will involve: Production of materials for pangasius, ulang, oyster, mussel culture Promotional materials for fishery valueadded products and on promotion and product branding for locally-produced bangus products IEC for management of fishery resources, disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, etc.

Cities and Conduct of research municipalities studies to improve covered by the delivery of extension Visayan Sea services in the fishery sector Batad, BalaThis will involve san, Carles, improvement of school Concepcion curriculum relevant to and Estancia situation in schools with (Iloilo) low completion rate in Cadiz City, E. coastal communities,

Visayan Sea Wide

Spatial Location

2011-2016

2011-2016

2011-2016

Period of Implementation

45,000

3,270

18,000

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG

NG

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP NG

On-going

Remarks

51

10. Improvement of delivery of public health programs

9. Expansion of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)

8. Fisheries Scholarship Program (Fisherfolk Children Educational Grant)

7. Provision of Alternative Learning System in coastal areas

Spatial Location

Provision of Alternative Learning System in coastal areas

hiring of teachers, provision of ICT package and internet connectivity

Short Description

Extension of Fishers’ Children Educational Grant to children of fishers in affiliated fishery SUCs such as ISCOF DSWD, LGUs Cities and This will involve inclusion municipalities of fishers’ communities covered by the in the National Visayan Sea Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction Project DOH, NNC, Cities and Involves hiring of health LGUs municipalities personnel, upgrading covered by the of hospitals, conduct Visayan Sea of feeding programs, training of day care workers, nutrition programs

B. Magalona, Escalante City, Sagay City, Negros Occidental DepEd, Cities and CHED municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea BFAR, CHED, Cities and SUCs municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea

Government Agency

2011-2016

2011-2016

2011-2016

2011-2020

Period of Implementation

27,000

36,000

100

5,684

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG/LGU

NG

NG

NG/LGU

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP

On-going

Remarks

52

15. Conduct of consultative workshop on the Fisheries Code of 1998

14. Conduct of fishery researches

11. Implementation of Responsible Parenthood and Natural Family Planning Program, and Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program 12. Universal Coverage of Philippine Health Insurance Program to cover the informal sector like fishers 13. Establishment of municipal/ city coastal law enforcement units

Cities and municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea

Spatial Location Short Description

Implementation of Responsible Parenthood and Natural Family Planning Program, and Adolescent Health and Youth development Program PHIC, LGUs, Cities and Ensure coverage of the Congress- municipalities fishers in the Universal men covered by the Coverage of Philippine Visayan Sea Health Insurance Program Provinces, Cities and This will involve BFAR, DILG, municipalities establishment of PNP covered by the PNP Marine Stations, Visayan Sea deployment of personnel, facilities and equipment SUCs Iloilo, This will involve provision (fishery Guimarasand of funding support schools), DA Negros to research studies and DOST Occidental including scholarships and thesis support to students BFAR Cities and This will involve municipalities the generation of covered by the recommendations and Visayan Sea propose revisions for the effective implementation of the Fisheries Code

POPCOM

Government Agency

50,000

2011-2016

2012

75

30

220,054

2011-2016

2011-2016

14,024

Investment Cost (P’000)

2011-2016

Period of Implementation

NG

NG/SUC

NG

NG/PDAF

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP NG

Remarks

53

Spatial Location Short Description

Operational Plan Logistical Support Livelihood

of 1998 and its implementing rules and regulations 16. Provision of technical BFAR, LGUs Cities and Provision of technical assistance to the municipalities assistance and Comprehensive Municipal covered by the advisory services on Fisheries Ordinance Visayan Sea the formulation and (CMFO) and Coastal enactment of CMFO Resource Management and Coastal Resource Plan and Law Enforcement Management Plan and Law Enforcement 17. Operation and BFAR, LGUs Cities and Management of patrol management of fisheries’ municipalities vessels for the projects patrol vessels covered by the of BFAR Visayan Sea 18. Monitoring Control and Enforcement of fishery BFAR, LGUs Cities and Surveillance municipalities laws and policies in covered by the coordination with law Visayan Sea enforcement agencies and local government units 19. Support to CommunityBFAR, LGUs Coastal Cities This will involve: based Coastal Law and municipali- Conduct Paralegal Enforcement ties covered training support by the Visayan Deputization of BKV Sea in Negros Formulation of Occidental

Government Agency

75

300

3,639

8,500

2011-2016

2011-2016

2011-2020

Investment Cost (P’000)

2011-2016

Period of Implementation

LGU

NG

NG

NG

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP

Remarks

54

2. Technology training for product value adding

D. Empowerment of Fishers 1. Training- Demo on Value- Adding on Fishery products Escalante, Negros Occ.

Coastal Cities and municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea in Negros Occidental Coastal Cities and municipalities covered by the Area Plan in Negros Occidental Coastal Cities and municipalities covered by the Area Plan in Negros Occidental

Spatial Location

Incorporation of data to CLUP

Strengthening the alliances

Provision of support to the Alliance Based Coastal Law Reenforcement Team

Short Description

Training- Demo on Value- Adding on Fishery products (for Rolling Fish Snack Cart) BFAR, DOST, Cities and This will involve the SUCs municipalities improvement of market covered by the forms of fish products Visayan Sea (fillets, steaks, deboned, customization),

BFAR

LGU

LGUs

21. Support to Project Implementers of Coastal Alliances

22. Zoning

BFAR, LGUs

20. Support to Alliance Based Coastal Law Reenforcement Team

Government Agency

2011-2016

2011

2011-2020

2011-2020

2011-2020

Period of Implementation

4,320

110

1,500

1,000

3,500

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG/LGU

NG/LGU/ Coop

LGU

LGU

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP NG/LGU

On-going

Remarks

55

5. Trainings on : Aquaculture Project Operations and Management Mariculture Project & Alternative Livelihood Projects (e.g. solar salt -making)

4. Seminar Orientation on Artificial Reef Management

3. Shellcraft Project (Island Based Marine Waste Materials Utilization for Women’s Livelihood)

BFAR/LGUs

BFAR

NIPSC

Government Agency Short Description

processing of convenience foods (battered/ breaded) Brgy. AsluProvision of skills and man, Gigantes product development Island, Carles, training program for Iloilo women beneficiaries focusing on shell craft for fashion jewelries, home decors, gifts, ornamental, souvenir items, and other items made of seashells or waste materials from shellfish and crustaceans Cities and Conduct of training municipalities on artificial reef covered by the management for farmers Visayan Sea and fishers Brgy. Cadima- Conduct of training on han, Roxas green mussel farming City & All using raft in 5 modules, cities and training on salt making in municipalities ponds using PE plastics, covered by the Area Plan (San Lorenzo Guimaras & Cadiz City, Negros Occ.)

Spatial Location

2011-2020

2011

2011-2012

Period of Implementation

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP

Remarks

6,480

112

NG/LGUs

NG

On-going

On-going

933 ODA NEDA- On-going KR2 Project

Investment Cost (P’000)

56 BFAR, LGUs

BFAR

BFAR,LGUs

E. Improvement of Marketing Set-Up 1. Organization and CDA strengthening of cooperative fishery enterprises.

BFAR 2. Agriculture and Fishery Product Marketing Assistance Program

10. Conduct of Fishery Law Enforcement and Enhancement Training (FLEET) 11. Deputization of Fish Wardens

BFAR

7. Training on Crab Pot Making 8. Demo on Mudcrab Culture in Pen 9. Training and Technical Assistance to Fishers on Aquaculture and municipal fisheries BFAR

BFAR

6. Training on Artificial Reef Project

Government Agency Short Description

Cities and municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea Cities and municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea

Training of cooperatives on marketing, networking product handling and financial management Provsion of marketing services such as price monitoring, market linkage, market matching and conduct of agri-fairs

Training of fishers on the establishment of artificial reefs as breeding for fish Carles, Iloilo Training on Crab Pot Making Victorias City, Demo on Mudcrab Negros Occ. Culture in Pen Cities and Provide knowledge municipalities and skills training, covered by the and advisory services Visayan Sea on aquaculture and municipal fisheries Cities and Conduct of Fishery municipalities Law Enforcement and covered by the Enhancement Training Visayan Sea (FLEET) Cities and Deputization of Fish municipalities Wardens covered by the Visayan Sea

Barotac Viejo, Iloilo

Spatial Location

461

7,300

2011-2016

200

6,300

44,509

44

7

6

Investment Cost (P’000)

2012

2011-2016

2012

2011-2020

2011

2011

2011

Period of Implementation

NG

NG

NG

NG

NG/LGU/ Coop NG/LGU/ Coop NG

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP NG

1 training per three municipalities/ year

On-going

On-going

On-going

Remarks

57

BFAR

4. Fishery establishment, inspection, plant and product certification

1. Preparation and implementation of Fish Port Development Plan

BFAR

F. Improvement of Infrastructure Support

BFAR

3. Conduct of seminars, forums and summits

Government Agency Short Description

All fish ports covered by Area Plan

The fish port development plan shall include landing quays long enough to accommodate boats during low tides, market hall, warehouse, ice plant/blast-freezing facilities, water supply and power system, drainage and sewage system, public toilet, perimeter fence, port lighting, guard house, canteen and administration building

This will be venues for local and international suppliers and exhibitors to present the latest technologies and inputs from fishery-related industries Cities and Monitoring of fisheries municipalities establishment in covered by the compliance with national Visayan Sea and International standards

Cities and municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea

Spatial Location

2011-2016

2011-2016

2011-2016

Period of Implementation

NG

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP NG

500 NG/ Private Sector

940

500

Investment Cost (P’000)

Remarks

58

5. Establishment of fish dryer

4. Construction/ rehabilitation of access road linking to seaweeds production areas to the main arterial roads

3. Construction/ rehabilitation of access road linking to the proposed new and existing fishing port and cold storage facilities to the main arterial road

2. Establishment of 5 new fishing ports in major fish landing areass

Spatial Location

Ajuy, and San Dionisio, Iloilo; Manapla, Negros Occ.; Buenavista and San Lorenzo Guimaras DPWH/LGU Barotac Viejo, Ajuy, and San Dionisio, Iloilo; Manapla, Negros Occ.; Buenavista and San Lorenzo Guimaras DPWH/LGU Estancia, Iloilo; Escalante and Sagay, Neg. Occ.; San Lorenzo, Guimaras BFAR San Lorenzo, Guimaras

BFAR/PPA/ LGU

Government Agency

Establishment of fish dryer in order to avoid spoilage of fishery products during wet seasons

This includes the installation of proper drainage, sewage system and waste water treatment facilities. The location of the proposed fishing ports will be subjected to feasibility studies This includes new construction or improvement of existing road network linking the proposed new fishing port and cold storage facilities to the main arterial road This includes new construction or improvement of access roads linking seaweeds production areas to the main arterial road

Short Description

2011

2011-2016

2011-2016

2011-2016

Period of Implementation

200,000

200

600,000

1,000,000

NG/LGU

LGU

LGU NG

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP 500,000 NG / Private Sector

Investment Cost (P’000)

On-going

Remarks

59 Sagay City, Escalante City (Negros Occ.) Buenavista, San Lorenzo (Guimaras

LWUA/DOH LWUA/DOH

Buenavista and San Lorenzo, Guimaras Balasan, Carles, Barotac Viejo (Iloilo)

Escalante, Negros Occ.

Barotac Viejo, San Dionisio, Balasan and Estancia Iloilo

Pres. Roxas, Capiz

Spatial Location

LWUA/DOH LWUA/DOH

LWUA/DOH LWUA/DOH LWUA/DOH

BFAR

7. Establishment of cold storage building, ice plant and cold storage facility using modular air blast freezers

8. Establishment of water supply system in ”waterless” municipalities

Province of Capiz

6. Mini Ice Plant and Cold Storage facility using modular air blast freezers

Government Agency

Establishment of pumping stations, reservoir, water treatment facilities and transmission lines to expand the coverage area by 90% .

Construction of cold storage building and procurement of machineries for the mini ice plant and cold storage facility using modular air blast freezers Construction of cold storage building and procurement of machineries for ice plant and cold storage facility using modular air blast freezers

Short Description

2011-2016 2011-2016

2011-2016 2011-2016

2011-2016 2011-2016 2011-2016

2011-2016

2011-2016

2011-2016

2011-2016

Period of Implementation

30,000 30,000

600,000 600,000

30,000 30,000 30,000

40,000

25,000

80,000

20,000

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG NG

NG NG

NG NG NG

Private Sector

Private Sector

Private Sector

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP LGU

Remarks

60

2011-2016 2011-2016

Jordan Port, Sibunag Port (Guimaras) Bacolod City Port Pulupandan Port

PPA/LGU

PPA/LGU

2011-2016 2011-2016

2011-2016

Culasi Port (Roxas City)

2011-2016 2011-2016

2011-2016

2011-2016

PPA/LGU

Iloilo City Port (Iloilo)

This will include the upgrading and maintenance of R&D facilities, creation of central analytical service laboratory, establishment of information technology facilities, establishment of farm laboratories and demo farms This will entail further development/expansion of RORO ramp and RC pier as well as reclamation and dredging to prevent draft limitation

Short Description

Period of Implementation

Caticlan Port, Dumaguit, (Aklan)

PPA/LGU

10. Improvement of RO-RO Terminal System including the access roads leading to the ports

All areas covered in the plan

Spatial Location

Province of Aklan

BFAR, DA, DOST

9. Upgrading of research and technology infrastructure

Government Agency

50,000

50,000

50,000 50,000

50,000

50,000 50,000

177,000

2,000

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG/LGU

NG/LGU

NG/LGU LGU

NG/LGU

NG/LGU NG/LGU

NG/LGU

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP NG/SUCs

Remarks

61

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

11. Upgrading of Estancia Municipal Feeder Port to RORO-capable port and establish a link to be part of Western Nautical Highway

12. Guimaras Circumferential Road

13. Roxas City Circumferential Road

Government Agency

2011-2016

Escalante City Port

2012-2014

2011-2016

2015

2011-2016

2011-2016

Cadiz City Port

San Carlos City Port (Negros Occ.) Estancia, Iloilo Upgrading the feeder port in Estancia, Iloilo to make it ROROcapable. This will entail construction of RORO ramp and upgrading/ expansion of RC pier as well as reclamation and dredging to prevent draft limitation Guimaras Concreting of gap portion of the Guimaras Circumferential Road L=109.15 km Roxas City Construction of 19.86 km of new road along Roxas City, Capiz

2011-2016

Short Description

Period of Implementation

Victorias City Port

Spatial Location

417,060

200,000 400,000

50,000

50,000

50,000

50,000

50,000

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG

NG ODA

NG/LGU

NG/LGU

NG/LGU

NG/LGU

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP NG/LGU

Remarks

62

BFAR

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

14. Silay-Escalante Road Development Project

15. Iloilo-East Coast-Capiz Road

16. Roxas City Boundary Panitan-Bailan Road

17. Jct. Nat’l Road MianayDuyoc-Calaan-Panitan

18. Iloilo-Capiz Road

19. Cuartero-MaindangTapulang- Maayon Road

20. Maayon Jct. Bailan Road

Government Agency

Capiz

Capiz

Capiz

Capiz

Capiz

Coastal communities covered by Area Plan Roxas CityPanay-Pontevedra- Pilar

Spatial Location

Reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged road along various sections Reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged road along various sections Reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged road along various sections Reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged road along various sections Reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged road along various sections Reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged road along various sections

Inventory of fishing boats and gears and resources in the areas

Short Description

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

2011-2016

Period of Implementation

100,000

78,000

200,000

114,000

78,000

582,700

1,185,000

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG

NG

NG

NG

NG

NG

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP NG

Remarks

63 DPWH

DPWH

25. Sara-Concepcion Road

26. Ajuy-Concepcion Road

DPWH

23. Iloilo East Coast Capiz Road

DPWH

DPWH

22. Iloilo East Coast Estancia Wharf Road

24.Passi-San Rafael- LemerySara Road

DPWH

21. Barotac Nuevo-DumangasDacutan Wharf Road

Government Agency Short Description

Concreting of selected road section, 300 mm PCCP Estancia, Iloilo Overlaying of 75mm asphalt for selected road section Iloilo-Capiz Rehabilitation of damaged concrete pavement, 300 mm PCCP and 100 mm asphalt overlay for selected sections Sara to Passi, Rehabilitation of Iloilo damaged concrete pavement, 300 mm PCCP and 100 mm asphalt overlay for selected sections SaraRehabilitation of Concepcion, damaged concrete Iloilo pavement, 300 mm PCCP and 100 mm asphalt overlay for selected sections Ajuy, Rehabilitation of Concepcion, damaged concrete pavement, 300 mm PCCP Iloilo and 100 mm asphalt overlay for selected sections

Dumangas, Iloilo

Spatial Location

2012-2016

2012-2016

1,674

63,551

159,660

333,180

2012-2016

2012-2016

14,292

104,000

Investment Cost (P’000)

2012-2016

2012-2016

Period of Implementation

NG

NG

NG

NG

NG

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP NG

Remarks

64

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

DPWH

27. Balasan-Carles Road

28. Sara-San Dionisio Road

29. Concepcion-San Dionisio Road

30. Barotac Viejo-San Rafael Road

31. Passi-San Rafael-LemerySara Road

32.Sara-Concepcion Road

Government Agency

SaraConcepcion, Iloilo

Sara-Passi, Iloilo

Barotac Viejo, Iloilo

ConcepcionSan Dionisio, Iloilo

Sara-San Dionisio, Iloilo

BalasanCarles, Iloilo

Spatial Location Rehabilitation of damaged concrete pavement, 300 mm PCCP and 100 mm asphalt overlay for selected sections Rehabilitation of damaged concrete pavement, 300 mm PCCP and 100 mm asphalt overlay for selected sections Rehabilitation of damaged concrete pavement, 300 mm PCCP and 100 mm asphalt overlay for selected sections Rehabilitation of damaged concrete pavement, 300 mm PCCP and 100 mm asphalt overlay for selected sections Concreting of selected road sections, 300 mm PCCP Concreting of selected road sections, 300 mm PCCP

Short Description

2011-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

Period of Implementation

11,675

175,525

30,384

140,467

81,174

80,046

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG

NG

NG

NG

NG

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP NG

Completed as of 2011

Remarks

65

41.Dumangas Port Development

PPA

39. Cabugao Port Development 40. Culasi Port Improvement PPA

PPA

PPA

DPWH

36.Bacolod North Road

38. Construction of Passenger Terminal Bldg.

Port of Danao, Escalante City

DPWH

35. Concepcion-San Dionisio Road

DPWH

DPWH

34. Ajuy-Concepcion

37. Junction old EscalanteDanao Port Road

DPWH

33. San Dionisio-Capinang Road

Government Agency Concreting of selected road sections, 300 mm PCCP

Short Description

Concreting of selected road sections, 300 mm PCCP Concreting of selected road sections, 300 mm PCCP Concreting of selected road sections, 300 mm PCCP Concreting of selected road sections, 300 mm PCCP Escalante City, Construction of new Neg. Occ. passenger and TMO building with modern amenities and firefighting equipment Capiz Expansion and improvement of port area Ajuy, Iloilo Expansion and improvement of port area Dumangas, Construction of port Iloilo terminal building, rehabilitation of existing RORO, pave access road and back up area

AjuyConcepcion, Iloilo ConcepcionSan Dionision, Iloilo 1st, 2nd, 3rd Districts, Neg. Occ Escalante City, Neg. Occ.

San Dionisio, Iloilo

Spatial Location

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

2011-2016

Period of Implementation

80,000

30,000

20,000

15,000

23,100

2,313,640

126,175

23,350

46,600

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG

NG

NG

NG

NG

NG

NG

NG

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP NG

For 2012 implementation

Remarks

66 PEO

PEO

PEO

46. Concepcion-Puntales Road

47. Carles-Bancal Road

PEO

PPA

LGU

PPA

45. San Dionisio – Sua – Conchita – Cubay Road

43. Port Improvement of Puntales Port 44. Mangorocoro-Progreso Road

42. Reclamation of Basiao Port and improvement/ paving of access road

Government Agency

Carles

Concepcion

San Dionisio

Concepcion, Iloilo Ajuy

Ivisan, Capiz

Spatial Location

Rehabilitation and paving of 8 km access road from the poblacion to the port Expansion/Widening of port area Concreting of Mangorocoro-Progreso Road (2.0 km) leading to proposed wharf Rehabilitation/ Improvement of San Dionisio Pob.-SuaConchita-Cubay Road (8 km.)

Concreting of Concepcion-Puntales Road (3.50 km) leading to the coastal barangay and the proposed port Concreting of CarlesBancal Road leading to Bancal Wharf (2.0 km)

Expansion/widening of port area by reclamation and provide perimeter fence

Short Description

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

2012-2016

Period of Implementation

30,000

52,500

40,000

30,000

30,000

50,000

23,860

Investment Cost (P’000)

LGU

LGU

LGU

LGU

NG

LGU

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP NG

Remarks

67

53. Establishment of Data Banking System

52. Cubay-Balabago Road (City Road)

51. Mansaya-Loboc Road (City Road)

50. Iloilo City-LeganesDumangas Coastal Road

49. Baldoza-Loboc Road (City Road)

48. Dumangas-Sapao Road

Dumangas

Spatial Location Short Description

Concreting of Dumangas Pob.-Sapao Road (4.827 km.) leading to Naluoyan Port in Dumangas DPWH Iloilo City Rehabilitation and repair of 0.70 km road leading to the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex DPWH Iloilo City to Rehabilitation and Dumangas concreting of road sections DPWH Iloilo City Rehabilitation and repair of 0.40 km road leading to the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex DPWH Iloilo City Rehabilitation and repair of 1.00 km road leading to the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex NAMRIA, Coastal Cities Establishment of DENR, BFAR, and municipali- data base system for LGU ties covered systematic retrieval of by the Area data Plan in Negros Occidental

PEO

Government Agency

2011-2020

2011-2016

2011-2016

2011-2016

2011-2016

2012-2016

Period of Implementation

1,000

25,000

10,000

50,000

20,000

72,405

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG/LGU

NG

NG

NG

NG

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP LGU

Remarks

68

BFAR

DOT/LGU

2. Conduct of training on tourism and aquaculture

3. Tourism Promotion and Marketing Program

Short Description

Networking and linkage with financing institutions and donors for tourism entrepreneurs and service providers

Production and distribution of tourism brochures and other collaterals; conduct marine summits, marine trade fairs, marine sports exhibitions

Tourism Destination Development and creation of environment for the private sector to invest in tourism development Cities and munici- Conduct of training to palities covered develop capacities in by the Visayan tourism and aquaculture Sea as alternative livelihood for fishers Cities and Facilitation/participation municipalities in travel fairs and special covered by the events Visayan Sea Conduct of training on tour packaging

Spatial Location

G. Development and Packaging of the Visayan Sea as Viable 1. Community-based Tourism DOT/LGU Cities and municiDevelopment Program palities covered by the Visayan Sea

Government Agency

2011-2016

2011-2016

2011-2016

2011-2016

2011-2020

2011-2016

Period of Implementation

1,000

3,000

3,000

2,000

50

15,000

Investment Cost (P’000)

NG/LGU

NG/LGU

NG/LGU

NG/LGU

NG

NG/LGU

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP

Remarks

69

DOT/LGU

DOT/LGU

4. Tourism Development and Management Program

5. Training/capability building on hospitality management and HRM

Government Agency Short Description

Development of tourism areas identified in coastal cities and municipalities covered by the Area Plan Cities and Capability building municipalities training for fishers covered by the and households on on Visayan Sea hospitality management and HRM in support of the tourism industry of the area GRAND TOTAL

Cities and municipalities covered by the Visayan Sea

Spatial Location

2011-2016

2011-2016

Period of Implementation

14,746,357

5,000

NG/LGU

Funding Source (NG, ODA, LGU, PPP 20,000 NG/LGU

Investment Cost (P’000)

Remarks

70 TOTAL COST

G. Development & Packaging of Visayan Sea

F. Improvement of Infrastructure Support

E. Improvement of Marketing Set-up

14,746,357

49,050

12,257,718

9,201

63,021

877,586

C. Strengthening of Institutions

D. Empowerment of Fishers

203,953

1,285,768

TOTAL (‘000)

B. Advocacy for Efficient & Sustainable Production Methods

A. Securing the Visayan Sea

STRATEGY

12,937,905

49,050

10567,873

9,201

62,088

857,636

145,969

1,246,088

NG (‘000)

Table 3 Investment Requirements

1,230,519

1,144,905

19,950

48,664

17,000

LOCAL (‘000)

145,000

145,000

PRIVATE (‘000)

432,933

400,000

933

9,320

22,680

ODA (‘000)

VIII. Plan Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation The Regional Development Council (RDC) Region VI will oversee the implementation of the Visayan Sea Area Plan. The Council, per Executive Order 325, is tasked to “coordinate the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of short and long-term regional development plans and investment programs, the regional physical framework plan and special development plans, including the formulation of policy recommendations.�

This statute empowers the RDC to call on government instrumentalities to realign their resources towards the development priorities of the Area Plan ensuring the realization of its objectives, goals, and long-term vision.

The machinery of government agencies in the region will be mobilized to ensure that the development vision, directions and strategies articulated in the area plan are realized.

The support of non-government organizations, people’s organizations, the academe and various civic clubs will also be secured so that, together with the government, a wellcoordinated effort will be extended in the implementation of the Visayan Sea area plan.

Local government units and organized local area/sectoral development councils will play a critical role in the implementation of their own plans that are consistent with that of the Area Plan in their respective area of jurisdiction. Their cooperation will be sought on major social, economic, infrastructure and development administration programs and projects initiated by agencies and other public institutions to ensure their success and sustainability. At the same time, support of state universities and colleges will be obtained to make a considerable impact to the progress of the Visayan Sea coastal communities.

Public-private partnership schemes will be explored and promoted to encourage business groups and investors to take part in projects identified or initiated by government. Proposed legislative measures that will further boost the development of the area will be advocated among the local legislative bodies, as well as, at the House of Representatives and Senate. The priority legislative agenda will be generated from the local communities, area development councils and local government units and processed into proposed policy measures/amendments. The resulting policy proposals will be advocated in the local legislative bodies or taken up during the RDC Advisory Committee meetings where the appropriate proposed legislations being pushed will be taken up.

An Area Development Report (ADR) will be prepared every five years to monitor the progress of the Visayan Sea relative to the objectives and measurable targets identified in the area plan. The ADR will also assess the extent to which the different policies and strategies have been implemented by responsible agencies as identified in the Results Monitoring and Evaluation Matrix.

Towards the end of the plan period, a Plan Assessment Report will be prepared to evaluate the extent to which the Area Plan has been implemented.

71

IX. Concluding Statement The Visayan Sea is culturally, economically, socially and ecologically important to Western Visayas Region, especially the people living in the 18 cities and municipalities along its influence area. It contributes significantly to the regional income, employment, foreign exchange earnings, and nutrition of the people of Western Visayas. It is a huge food basket that helps maintain the food supply and provide livelihood to the people of Western Visayas.

But the resources of the Visayan Sea are rapidly being depleted. As what is happening worldwide, as cited by many studies, the depletion of the Visayan Sea resources could be attributed to open access nature of fishing which is characterized by lack of management, regulation and enforcement; widespread technological advances with more efficient gears, stronger and larger nets, electronic fish devices like sonar, increased ability to fish all over the world, even in the most isolated places; growing human population, and, large increases in prices of fish for a growing global market.

It is imperative that assistance should be provided to make the fishery sector globally competitive and coastal communities become socially and economically progressive.

This could be done through improved value adding agri-industries, enhanced marketing distribution systems, developed market niche for aquatic and fishery products and sufficient infrastructure, facilities and amenities that will accelerate the economic activities of the area.

Likewise, coastal communities, local government alliances, local fishery councils and private sector organizations will be empowered to be active partners of the national and local governments in conserving, protecting and sustainably utilizing the common pool resources of the Visayan Sea. The key to development is good governance through strong public and private institutions working harmoniously to promote the economic growth and development of the area.

72

References Armada, N.B. (2004). Assessment and management of small pelagic fisheries in the Visayan Sea. Unpublished Research Report, University of the Philippines Visayas, Philippines.

Comprehensive National Fisheries Industry Development Plan, 2006-2025. (2006). Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Department of Agriculture, Philippines.

Consolidated Provincial Fisheries Profile. (2010). Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Department of Agriculture, Philippines.

Carpenter, K.E. & V. G. Springer. (2005). The center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity: The Philippine Islands. Environ. Biol. Fishes (pp. 72, 467-480).

Ferrer, A. J. G. (2009). Evaluation of fisheries management options for the Visayan Sea, Philippines: The Case of Northern Iloilo. Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia. Singapore.

Green, S. J., A.T. White, J. O. Flores, M. E. Carreon III & A. E. Sia. (2003). Philippine fisheries in crisis: A framework for management. Coastal Resource Management Project of Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Cebu City, Philippines. 77p.

Guanco, M. R., S. V. Mesa, P. B. Belga & D. R. M. Nunal. (2002). Assessment of the commercial fisheries and Western Visayas and Central Visayas Sea. Regional Stock Assessment Project of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Department of Agriculture, Region VI and VII, Philippines.

Hermes, R., N. B. Armada, R. A. Aparri, E. C. Zaragoza, & U. Lohmeyer. (2004). Overexploitation in the Visayan Sea: Designing a project solution. In turbulent seas: The status of Philippine marine fisheries. Coastal Resource Management Project of Department of AgricultureBureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Cebu City, Philippines. p.378 Hernando, C. M., (2003). A policy paper on the socio-economics of the Visayan Sea Fisheries Sector: Focus on marketing and credit. University of the Philippines Visayas, Philippines.

Israel, D, C. & R.M.G. Roque. (2000). “ Analysis of Fishing Ports in the Philippines”. Discussion Paper Series No. 2000-16. Philippine Institute of Development Studies. pp..41, 37, 57 Israel, D.C. & R.M.G. Roque. (1999). “Towards the sustainable development of the fisheries sector”. Discussion Paper Series No. 99-01. Philippine Institute of Development Studies. p. 34 Master Plan for the Rehabilitation of Regional Fish Ports. (2008). A Proposal. Philippine Fisheries Development Authority. pp. 5, 6, 8 Public-Private Partnership Projects. (2010). Office of the President, Republic of the Philippines. p. 22

73

Regional Social and Economic Trends Western Visayas.. ( 2010). National Statistical Coordination Board, Region VI. Iloilo City, Philippines.

Salayo, N. D. (2000). “Marketing and Post-harvest Research (MPR) in the Philippine Fisheries: A Review of Literature”. Discussion Paper Series No. 2000-16, Philippine Institute of Development Studies. pp. 4, 22, 24 Siason, I.M.L., (2011). Women, Gender and Coastal Resource Management. Unpublished Research Report, University of the Philippines in the Visayas. Iloilo City, Philippines.

Siason I.M, AJ. Ferrer, and H. Monteclaro. (2005). “Philippine case study on conflict over use of municipal waters in the Visayan Sea, Final Report”. A Cross-Country Project on Fish Fights over Fish Rights: Managing Exit from the Fisheries and Security Implications in Southeast Asia. The World Fish Center, Penang, Malaysia.

The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (Republic Act 8550).

Technical Description of the Marine Waters in the Visayan Sea Beyond 15km from the Municipal Waters. (2001). National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, Philippines. http://www.lucenafishportcomplex.com/default.aspx and http://pfda.da.gov.ph

74

Tables, Figures and Annexes Tables

Page

Table 1

Key Socioeconomic Indicators of the Planning Area

3

Table 2

Area Development Investment Program, 2011-2020

40

Table 3

Investment Requirements

70

Figure 1

Visayan Sea Vicinity Map

1

Figure 2

Extent of Operation of Commercial Fishing Gear in the Visayan Sea, 1998-2002

8

Figure 3

Existing Sea Ports and Fish Ports

10

Figure 4

Processing Industries and Support Facilities

11

Figure 5

Development Framework of the Area Plan

15

Figure 6

Areas with Existing Marine Protected Areas

18

Figure 7

Identified Areas for Declaration of Closed Season for Fishing

19

Figure 8

Proposed Fishing Ports and Cold Storage Plant

33

Annex A

Number and Categories of Fishers, 2010

76

Annex B

Active LGU Alliances Operating in the Influence Areas of the Visayan Sea

77

Annex C

Municipalities with No Fishing Port and their Existing Fishery Facilities and Institutions

78

Annex D

Number of Ordinances and Resolutions on Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

79

Figures

Annexes

75

Annex A

Number and Categories of Fishers, 2010 Province Capiz

Municipality Pilar

Aquaculturists

Municipal Fishermen

Commercial Fishworkers

75

Fish Processors

Others

45

Total 120

*Roxas City Iloilo

Ajuy Balasan

74

1,460

121

8

Btac. Viejo

1,276 5

1,640

Carles

87

9,611

Concepcion

22

Estancia

20

1,250

420

2,067

50

179

488

1,077

300

1,680

1,324

65

1,710

105

11,483 22

Buenavista

899

San Lorenzo

673 120

3,025

Escalante

262

556

Manapla

25

Negros Cadiz Occidental

232

48

Batad

San Dionisio Guimaras

301

135

1,825

5

1,870

270

166

1,335

3

31

74

781

1,590

250

1,600

6,585

5

76

899

*EB Magalona

Sagay

209

50

200

530

1,014

2,541

450

26

450

3,467

24,225

4,493

1,486

3,178

34,681

*Victorias City Total

1,299

Source: BFAR- VI *no available data

76

Annex B

Active LGU Alliances Operating in the Influence Areas of the Visayan Sea Name of Council

Member Cities/Municipalities

Northeastern Panay Enclave Northern Iloilo Alliance for Coastal Development Inc. (NIACDEV) (Iloilo)

Ajuy, Balasan, Barotac Viejo, Batad Carles, Sara, Conception, Estancia, San Dionisio, and Lemery

Banate-Barotac Bay Resource Management Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo Council, Inc (BBBRMCI), (Iloilo) (Iloilo) North Negros Occidental Enclave Northern Negros Aquatic Resources Management Advisory Council (NNARMAC) (Negros Occidental)

Cadiz City, Escalante City, Sagay City, Manapla, San Carlos City, Victorias City, Calatrava, San Salvador Benedicto, and Toboso

Source: BFAR- VI

77

Annex C

Municipalities with No Fishing Port and their Existing Fishery Facilities and Institutions Fishermen Cooperatives/ Associations

Municipality Fish Landing with No Fishing Areas Port

Fishery Fishery Buying Pre-Processing/ Stations Processing Plants 2 0

Barotac Viejo

0

5

Ajuy

7

14

0

1

San Dionisio

2

8

1

0

Balasan

0

0

0

0

Manapla

1

8

0

3

Buenavista

5

8

0

0

San Lorenzo

1

11

0

0

Source: BFAR- VI; Consolidated Provincial Fisheries Profile, 2010

78

Annex D

Number of Ordinances and Resolutions on Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Area Grouping Northeastern Panay

Northern Guimaras Northern Negros

Municipality Pilar Ajuy Barotac Viejo Balasan Batad Carles Concepcion Estancia San Dionisio San Lorenzo

Number of Category Ordinances Resolutions Conservation Regulation 1 (authorization) 2 1 1 5 3 2

2 3 1 1

1

1 3

1 1 1

1

1(PDC) Sagay City

5 1 Total 19 3 8 Sources: Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Guimaras and Capiz

79

4 13

Institutions and Individuals Who Provided Technical Inputs and Participated in the Area Plan Consultations Regional Line Agencies: Dir. Drusila Bayate, Joel Abalayan, Sherryl Aguirre, Quin Clarito, Carlito Delfin, Rolindo Demo-os, Mateo Doyola, Jr., Jessica Esmao, Robert Espinosa, Edna Janeo, Janice Ragus and Wilfredo de los Santos, BFAR 6; Rene Cortum, DOT 6; Lea Gonzales, DTI 6; PSSUPT. Edmund Gonzales, Regional Maritime Unit 6; Dennis Pinosa, DENR 6; Atty. Rodolfo Paz and Justo Anaquita, PFDA; Port Manager Winfred Elizalde and Rene Villa, Jr., PPA

Local Government Units: Marco Raul Ridad, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo; Jonathan Elepilo and Juny Gallo, Buenavista Guimaras; Enrique Escares III and Marcel Irisari, Cadiz City; Ramielyn Banares, OPA-Capiz; Jimmy Baban, PPDO-Guimaras; Mayor Rene Cordero, Rodoel Aclaro Sr., Jestonie Cacao, PO2 Leonidez Labaroza and Hector Magtiza, Estancia, Iloilo; SPO1 Gilbert Piedad, Bantay Dagat- Iloilo; Corazon Buenafe, DPWH-Iloilo (3rd Engrg. District); Dr. Ildefonso Toledo and Alma Caballero, OPA-Iloilo; Engr. Gracianito Lucero and Joel Almonaza, PEO-Iloilo; Ivy Bromo, PPDO-Iloilo; Divina Hedraga, DPWH-Negros Occidental (1st Engrg. District); Igmedio Tabianan and Ariel Tuvilla, OPA- Negros Occidental; Reynaldo Bedaure, PEO-Negros Occidental; Luisa Tutor, PEMO-Negros Occidental; Ma. Lina P. Sanogal, PPDO- Negros Occidental; Belinda Garrido, Roxas City; Felipe Emnace, Sagay Marine Reserve; Generoso Chin and Dominador Hormigoso, San Dionisio, Iloilo; Eduardo Fuentebella, Victorias City

Private Sector/Academe/LGU Alliances: Luna Bela-ong, NIACDEV; Dr. Joel Limson, NIPSC Estancia Campus, Larry Deysolong, NIPSC Concepcion Campus; Teodora Bagarinao, SEAFDEC Agriculture Department; Dr. Nygiel Armada, Dr. Alice Joan Ferrer, Dr. Ida Siason and Jinky Hopanda, UP Visayas

80