River wardens start work in November
ILLEGAL fishers in Dagupan, be warned!
Beginning November, the newly-formed deputy fish wardens group will be deployed to arrest illegal fish pen operators and fishers in the city’s waters.
Headed by the City River and Coastal Protection Management (CRCPM) Officer Butch Gutierrez, the fishery guarding squad is composed of four representatives from the Philippine Navy, eight from the Philippine National Police, eight officials from the barangays of Bonuan Gueset, Binloc and Pugaro.
City Agriculturist Emma Molina Molina said that two other teams are currently being formed, the Bantay Ilog and Bantay Dagat Task Forces, for deployment next year.
The fish wardens underwent a three-day training from October 5 to 7 organized by the city government in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Among the training speakers were BFAR Region 1 Director Nestor Domenden, Councilor Alvin Coquia who chairs the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s (SP) Committee on Agriculture, and City Administrator Vlad Mata.
Among the topics covered in the training were the Mandate of the Deputy Fish Wardens, Republic Act 8550-the Fisheries Code of 1998, Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species, and Practical Navigation and Detection and Apprehension of Illegal Fishing.
At the end of two training days, a series of practical exercises were conducted to test the skills of the participants.
Mayor Benjamin Lim formed the squad to protect and maintain the recently cleaned and dredged rivers, which is envisioned to become a major tourist attraction in Dagupan. (CIO)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
