The business sector in Caraga region has expressed alarm over the continued decline of the fish catch and the denudation of forests in the region, one of the richest in natural resources but with the second-lowest contribution to the country’s economy. In a resolution submitted to the recent Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon), the region’s businesses said government action is required, particularly from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). BFAR has to “strictly enforce policies against smuggling of high-value marine products in the ports and to promote the use of advanced technologies to support the development of Caraga’s high-value marine products,” according to the resolution.

Francisco, C. Q. (2018, September 24). Caraga firms raise alarm on declining aquatic, forestry resource. BusinessWorld, p. S2/6.