Tubod, Lanao del Norte – February 5, 2025 – The Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte, through its Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgrO), has launched a significant initiative aimed at strengthening the province’s fisheries sector. Under the program ‘Fishery Resources Management in Support to Establishment and Maintenance of Fish Sanctuaries,’ the government distributed essential Fish/Marine Sanctuary Materials and Motorized Fiberglass Bancas (boats) to various coastal communities. The initiative is funded by the 20% Development Fund for CY 2024.
The distribution ceremony, held at the Provincial Agriculture Office in Tubod, signified the successful implementation of efforts to protect and enhance local fishery resources. A total of 10 Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) received P170,000 worth of sanctuary materials each, which will aid in the creation and maintenance of marine sanctuaries. These cooperatives underwent a rigorous selection process based on their capacity to utilize the materials and their active involvement in sustainable fishery practices. The evaluation was carried out by PAgrO with the support of Municipal Agriculturists’ status implementation reports.
Additionally, eight coastal municipalities were granted motorized fiberglass bancas to support their fishing activities. The beneficiary municipalities include Kauswagan, Bacolod, Maigo, Tubod, Baroy, Lala, Kapatagan, and Sultan Naga Dimaporo. The selection of these municipalities was based on their demonstrated need for support and their effective implementation of the Municipal Fishery Ordinance, in line with Republic Act 8550, which promotes sustainable fisheries management.
During the ceremony, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member and Committee Chairman on Agriculture Reinario Bihag encouraged the beneficiaries to seek assistance from government agencies, stating, “Ug unsa may inyong mga problema dinha sainyong kabaybayunan, ayaw mo kaikog ug duol sainyong mga MAOs, sa mga ahensya sa gobyerno, kay andam man mo tabang atong provincial government.”
One of the beneficiaries, Rogerto Paunillan, a member of the Hukbong Mandaragat Association of Riverside Kolambugan, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Nagpasalamat gyud ming Ma’am Angging, nga sa kadugay na namo hangtod karon naapil gihapon mi,” reflecting the appreciation of his community for the continued support.
With a total project value of P2.5 million, the initiative is managed and technically supervised by Municipal Agriculture Officers (MAOs) under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs). PAgrO, led by Engr. Jalandoni Pitiilan, has committed to conducting regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the fish sanctuaries.
This initiative underscores the provincial government’s dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable fisheries management, ensuring that the province’s marine resources remain abundant for future generations.
