The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to dialogue with fishpen operators in Laguna Lake ahead of the planned moratorium on the issuance and renewal of permits early next year. “The thrust is to send the message that the DENR will rationalize the lake and the bias will be for the fisherfolk to have access to their traditional fishing ground,” Environment Undersecretary Arturo Valdez said. The dialogue, which will be led by Environment Secretary Gina Lopez herself, is in line with President Duterte’s earlier directive to demolish fishpens to ease congestion and prioritize small fisher folk in the area.

Simeon, L. M. (2016, December 4). DENR sets dialogue with fishpen owners. The Philippine Star, p. B-6.