Handline tuna fishing could improve in a big way the living standards of marginal families in the coastal communities around the region, according to Atienza, the senior deputy minority leader. Atienza earlier urged Malacañang to certify his bill that seeks to establish the PRPDA “to safeguard and manage the resources found in the waters, seabed and subsoil of region that rightfully belong to the Philippines.” Under the bill, the PRPDA’s governing board would include the heads of the departments of environment and natural resources, agriculture, energy, science and technology, finance, tourism, public works and highways, and defense, plus three private sector representatives.

Handline fishing docks eyed in Benham. (2018, March 19). Manila Standard, p. A6.