The Department of Agriculture (DA) wants President Duterte to declare the 13-million hectare Benham Rise as a protected food supply zone to ensure the country’s marine food security. “I will recommend to President Duterte that the Benham Rise should be declared as a Protected Food Supply Exclusive Zone,“ Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said following a three-day exploratory trip to the mineral-rich area east of Luzon. The DA will propose the construction of a facility in Benham Rise that will house a research center for marine scientists, a dock for the local fisherfolk, an ice-making plant to keep fish catch fresh, a station for the Coast Guard and a weather radar station.

Simeon, L. M. (2017, May 9). Benham Rise eyed as food zone. Philippine Star, pp. B1, B3.