The Banate Bay Resource Management Council, Inc. (BBRMCI), overseer of Panay Island's largest fishing ground called Banate Bay, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have cited the Department of Agriculture (DA) for preserving and protecting the Visayan seas. BBRMCI awarded the citation in a brief ceremony at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, along with other government agencies, fisher folks and local government unit-partners. Ric Saltin, Regional Crop Protection Center chief, representing the DA during the event, said the citation was a testament to DA’s unwavering support and programs in protecting the livelihood of fisher folks in the region.

Agriculture cited for protecting Visayan seas. (2010, January 18). Manila Bulletin, p. 9.