Davao Oriental, known for its rich marine biodiversity and booming fishing industry, is taking a significant step towards sustainable fisheries.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region XI has launched a joint mobile registration and licensing for commercial fishing vessels, fishing gear, and fishworkers. This initiative aims to provide a streamlined and accessible process for licensing and registration.
The program, scheduled in Governor Generoso on August 19-23 and in Mati City on September 2-6, targets the registration of unregistered and unlicensed fishing vessels operating in the province.
BFAR XI OIC – Fisheries Management and Regulatory Enforcement Division, Ms. Eleonor Q. Sandoval emphasized that the activity brings the essential BFAR services to their doorstep, aiming to register all unregistered commercial fishing vessels.
“Following this registration drive, there will be massive law enforcement activities. We are encouraging all commercial fishing operators to take this opportunity to register,” Sandoval said.
Partnering with BFAR XI in this endeavor are the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Philippine Coast Guard Southeastern Mindanao, who are providing vital assistance in this shared responsibility.
Aligned with BFAR Fisheries Administrative Order No. 198-1 s. 2018, or the “Amended Rules and Regulations on Registration and Licensing of Commercial Fishing Vessels, Fishing Gears and Fishworkers”, the program focuses on the following objectives:
•𝐑𝐞-𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: To provide a re-orientation on licensing procedures, prohibitions, and penalties stipulated in Republic Act 10654, which amends Republic Act 8550.
•𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲: To prioritize passenger safety onboard fishing vessels by implementing policies and minimum requirements for issuing Seafarers Identification Books (SIB).
•𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐕𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: To facilitate the registration and licensing of commercial fishing vessels, including those that are newly built but not yet registered in the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Information System (FELIS).
Key officials present during the launch in Governor Generoso included Municipal Mayor Hon. Juanito C. Inojales, Municipal Councilor and Committee Chairperson on Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr. Perlito M. Tanduyan, and Barangay Chairperson, Mr. Jessie Matutina.
The activity is a collaborative effort involving BFAR XI’s Commercial Fishing Vessel and Gear Licensing Unit, Legal Unit, Provincial Fisheries Office for Davao Oriental, the Provincial Local Government Unit (LGU) of Davao Oriental, and the LGUs of Mati City and Governor Generoso.
BFAR XI urges all commercial fishing vessel owners and operators to participate in the program and comply with the registration requirements. These measures, involving all stakeholders from vessel owners to fishworkers, are crucial for a sustainable and responsible fishing industry.
