The new fisheries code remains the basis for the administration of the fishery in disputed waters, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said, even if Chinese incursions have reduced the exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea by about 80%. "We cannot abandon our rights to our marine resources," Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said during the open forum of the National Summit on Participatory Governance Towards Sustainable Fisheries held in Manila on Wednesday. " We do not want war but there are lots of ways to push for the rights of the fisherfolk in the disputed area, " he added.

Carillo, C. A. (2015, October 30-31). DA asserts rights to resources in disputed waters. BusinessWorld, p. S1/4.