Negros Occidental third district Rep. Francisco Benitez recently filed a bill seeking the establishment of a multi-species marine hatchery in EB Magalona. He cited the municipality as a “major producer” of blue crabs, along with a source for oysters; sardines, or ‘tuloy;’ milkfish, or ‘bangus;’ threadfin bream, or ‘lagaw;’ and squid.
He cited the Constitution, noting a mandate to support fisherfolk.
According to Article XIII, Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution: “The State shall protect the rights of subsistence fishermen, especially of local communities, to the preferential use of local marine and fishing resources, both inland and offshore. It shall provide support to such fishermen through appropriate technology and research, adequate financial, production, and marketing assistance, and other services.”
Benitez said such a facility will “strengthen aquaculture development and further enhance seafood production to benefit local fisherfolks and coastal communities.”
If signed into law, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources would provide training and planning on the management and operation of the facility./WDJ