Governor Arthur Defensor Sr.’s unwavering commitment for the protection and preservation of the Visayan Sea earned yet another commendation from top notch environmental advocates and international organizations.

A Certificate of the Highest Recognition was given to Defensor by the United Nations Environmental Programme and the Institute of Governance and Sustainable Development (IGSD) based in Washington DC during an Earth Day celebration in Bantayan Island, Cebu on April 22, 2018.

The certificate was signed by Durwood Zaelke, president of IGSD; Andrew Raine, regional coordinator of UN Environmental Law and Governance; retired Supreme Court chief justice Hilario Davide, Jr.; environmental lawyer Antonio Oposa Jr.; and Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon.

They cited Defensor’s relentless campaign to eradicate illegal fishing when he came back as governor of Iloilo province in 2010.

To recall, in 2013 the International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (INECE), an international organization based in Washington DC, USA, recognized                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Defensor’s relentless efforts to protect and restore the Municipal waters of Iloilo province and the Visayan Sea through his coastal resource management programs and determined enforcement of marine conservation laws.

Last year, an environmental movement called Pasalamat sa Katauhan with endorsement from the UN Environment also gave a commendation to the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (IPBDTF) for their successful implementation of the anti-illegal fishing campaign.

The group recognized the efforts of the IPBDTF to strictly enforce fishery laws which “immensely contributed to the waning of illegal fishing activities and significantly improved the condition of marine habitats and the livelihood of the often-disadvantaged small fishermen.”

The IPBDTF, supervised by Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, is very instrumental in the successful implementation of  Defensor’s anti-illegal fishing campaign.

Banias said the various commendations received by the province and Defensor relative to the province’s anti-illegal fishing drive serve as inspiration to the operatives to work harder in order to protect our marine resources.

He noted that the consistent operation of IPBDTF has greatly benefited marginal fishers. (Erly Garcia/Capitol News)