The Office of City Economic Enterprise headed by Leandrei Rose B. Presoris; City Fishery Office (CFO) thru CFO Jose A. Longno Jr., in coordination with Fisheries Resources Protection Group (FRPG) headed by Section Chief Marvie Padasay thru Fisheries Management, Regulatory & Enforcement Division (FMRED) Chief Evelyn F. Basco, with the directives of BFAR XI Regional Director Fatma M. Idris, CESO V, conducted joint Market Monitoring Activity aiming to (a) monitor fish prices & supply in the City and ensure the observance of price freeze in basic fishery commodities (b) conduct of Market Denial for illegally caught fish to promote the campaign against all forms of illegal fishing (sanctioned by Prohibition & Penalties by the RA 10654 also known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998) activities at the Market, (c) assist the local government of Davao in observance of ECQ protocols (social distancing) in the market to impede the spread of the virus, (d) prompting the vendors on the observance of price tag for easy and efficient price tracking & provision of information to facilitate sound choice and the proper exercise of rights by the consumers as mandated by the RA7398 also known as the Consumer ACT.

The BFAR & City Economic Enterprise team conducted joint price monitoring activity on 0920H, May 1, 2020 at Toril Public Market. Vendors and buyers are reminded to follow the ECQ guidelines, such as wearing of facemask & observance of social distancing in the public in order to prevent viral transmission. In addition, price monitoring activity was conducted to ensure that fishery products are within the standard retail price (see ‘photos’ for price list per kilogram). Upon verification, there are no cases of overpricing of fish species at the market, this guarantee that fishery products are affordable and readily available at the market ready for consumption. On the other hand, vendors are reminded the implementation of price tags in order for quick identification of prices by the consumer. Moreover, pursuant RA 10654, An Act To Prevent, Deter And Eliminate Illegal, Unreported And Unregulated Fishing, Amending Republic Act No. 8550, Otherwise Known As "The Philippine Fisheries Code Of 1998”, Market Denial Activity was conducted to enforce fishery laws, rules & regulations governing the conservation & protection of fisheries & aquatic resources, including but not limited to CITES & FAO 208 Listed Species (Conservation of rare, threatened and endangered fishery species), to ensure sustainable fish diversity from present to future generations. After the activity, the team also acknowledged questions from partner agency & fisherfolks regarding issues & concerns relating to the fishery activity in the area, this ensures transparency of fishing activity in the market and actions taken by the bureau. The BFAR team guarantees its up-and-coming support to the LGU in market activities particularly in this time of crisis.

The BFAR XI also acknowledge the heroes in this time of crisis, who tirelessly working night & day to provide affordable & healthy foods, feeding millions of family throughout the country, we thank you fisherfolks. In Celebration of Labor Day held annually on 1st May, 2020, spare us a moment to be with you and leave a saying that goes “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity & importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence” (Martin Luther King Jr.).

Source: BFAR XI City Fishery Office Davao City