TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – In a decisive move to rehabilitate Panguil Bay and promote sustainable fishing practices, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), has reactivated the Panguil Bay Development Council (PBDC). The initiative was launched through a two-day Planning Workshop held on February 11-12, 2025, at Kalimudan Hall, Provincial Capitol Compound.
Governor Imelda “Angging” Quibranza Dimaporo, who graced the opening of the workshop, was unanimously elected as the lead convenor of the council. She underscored the urgency of the initiative, citing the alarming depletion of fish stocks, persistent illegal fishing, and worsening siltation that have severely affected the bay’s ecological balance and the livelihoods of local fisherfolk.
“The reactivation of the Panguil Bay Development Council is not a walk in the park but rather a Herculean task,” Governor Angging stated. “However, our shared commitment to restoring Panguil Bay to its original state and ensuring its sustainable development is a testament to our dedication to the future of our fishing communities.”
Panguil Bay, which spans two cities and ten municipalities across Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Misamis Occidental, was once one of Mindanao’s richest fishing grounds. The council’s reactivation is expected to spearhead efforts to restore the bay’s productivity and secure long-term environmental sustainability.
The event was attended by key officials, including Nazario Briguera, BFAR Spokesperson and Chief of the Information and Fisherfolk Coordination Unit; Regional Director Al-Zath Kunting of BFAR Region IX; and Regional Director Edward Yasay of BFAR Region X. Representatives from the three provinces also participated, showing their commitment to the cause.
The workshop focused on creating a Technical Working Group, formulating the council’s mission and vision, and developing strategic plans for environmental protection, livelihood enhancement, and policy reforms. Discussions emphasized the importance of biodiversity conservation while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
One of the major highlights of the initiative is the integration of the Panguil Bay Bridge project into the council’s long-term development framework. The bridge, envisioned as a crucial infrastructure for regional connectivity, is expected to complement the rehabilitation efforts by promoting economic growth and resource sustainability in the area.
The relaunch of the PBDC signifies a renewed collective effort to safeguard Panguil Bay’s resources for future generations. Stakeholders vowed to collaborate closely in implementing policies and programs that will balance environmental preservation with the needs of the local fishing sector, ensuring that Panguil Bay remains a vital source of sustenance and economic stability for the region.