ALAMINOS CITY–Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala vowed to look into the causes massive fishkill that hit the towns of Bolinao and Anda in western Pangasinan during the first week of June.

Alcala, who graced the Agri-Pinoy Farmers and Fisherfolk Forum here last July 22, said he will soon convene separate dialogues with the local government unit officials and agencies concerned, law enforcement units and other stakeholders in the province to review policies on fish cage operations.

At the same time, the agriculture secretary vowed to look into reports of rampant illegal fishing at the Lingayen Gulf.

Alaminos Mayor Hernani Braganza lauded Alcala’s visit as he stressed that “fishkill happens because of destructive fishing practices and the greed of fish cage operators”. 
 


Braganza spearheaded the FISH-Tival ed Alaminos last June in a move to dispel misinformation that Alaminos City was also hit by fishkill.

The mayor believes that the massive fishkill could have been averted if the cage operators properly managed their stocks in every cage.

“There must be a way to tone down greed”, otherwise, the fishkill phenomenon could not be prevented from happening again and again.” Alcala said.

“Kapag tinamaan ang isang lugar, lahat ng karatig bayan damay, lahat maghihirap,” the secretary warned.

Bangus prices plummeted after the fishkill, including those produced outside Anda and Bolinao, particularly producers in Binmaley, Alaminos and Dagupan.

“We cannot just simply impose our will on our environment… We cannot stop the forces of nature nor defy the law of nature,” Alcala told fish farmers in the forum. 


Alcala lauded the effort of the Alaminos City government in protecting its vast marine environment and in waging an all-out war against illegal fishing.

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