Five local government units have committed to adopt a fisheries management framework to protect the Visayan Sea, one of the country’s major fishing grounds, from illegal fishing activities to ensure a sustainable fisheries sector. The governors of Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Masbate and Cebu recently signed the “Commitment to Adopt and Implement the Management Framework for the Conservation, Protection, and Restoration of the Visayan Sea Fisheries Management Area,” a major provision of the Amended Fisheries Code which mandates local governments to implement management measures in municipal waters. The local unit of international organization Oceana said the commitment is a product of collaboration among local and national government officials, fisherfolks, academe, scientists and partner civil society groups.

Simeon, L. M. (2018, September 30). 5 provinces commit to protect Visayan sea. The Philippine Star, p. B2.