A fisherman from San Remigio, Cebu, who almost lost his life fighting illegal fishers in Tañon Strait, is one of the five winners of the 2018 Ocean Awards, conducted by two international groups both based in the United Kingdom. The 49-year old Norlan Pagal was recognized by Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) and Boat International for being a ‘local hero’ and a devoted community leader on marine conservation. “Now on its third year, the Ocean Awards recognizes and rewards those that share our commitment to fixing the largest solvable problem on the planet – the crisis in our oceans,” Boat International said on its website. The award was presented to Pagal during a recent fisherfolk forum in Cebu City, which was attended by fellow fishers from eight coastal communities along Tañon Strait, a protected seascape between Cebu and Negros.

Cebu fishing hero wins int’l Ocean Awards. (2018, August 19). The Philippine Star, p. B3.