BACOLOD CITY – The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), in collaboration with the Panay-Negros-Guimaras Crab Fishers Alliance (PANEG-CA), has launched a landmark Regional Advocacy Mission in Western Visayas for the Blue Swimming Crabs (BSC).
The advocacy, supported by the Gerry Roxas Foundation’s Investing on Sustainability and Partnership for Inclusive Growth and Regenerative Ecosystem (INSPIRE) project, took place on April 18-19, 2024, encompassing visits to the Iloilo Provincial Governor’s Office and the regional offices of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the Department of the Interior and Local Governments (DILG).
Edwin Balajadia, PRRM-Negros/Iloilo Area Manager, highlighted the mission’s purpose: to lay the groundwork and garner initial commitments from government regional offices, particularly from regional directors, on BSC and fisheries concerns. This initiative follows PANEG-CA’s resolutions, which were affirmed at its Founding Congress and the first Regional Council of Leaders’ meeting.
Western Visayas, the top BSC producer, saw the industry’s peak in 2018 with a P5.47 billion valuation, which has since declined due to illegal and unsustainable fishing practices. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch has rated the BSC fishery in the Visayan Sea, including Western Visayas, as Red or “Avoid”.
PANEG-CA chairperson Rhylene Toquero described the mission as a significant success for small crabbers and fishers in showcasing their collective strength to governmental offices, despite limited resources and experience.
Eduardo Espinosa of the Negros Occidental Federation of Small Fisherfolk Associations emphasized that the mission facilitated a constructive dialogue with regional offices, including the BFAR and DILG, resulting in initial responses to their concerns.
The mission addressed pressing issues such as illegal fishing, poverty among small fishers, sustainable livelihood needs, civil society’s lack of voice in local governance, the intrusion of illegal mining, and the growing impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems.
Notable meetings included discussions with the team of Iloilo Provincial Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., represented by Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias and Dr. Ildefonso Toledo, who affirmed the Governor’s full support for BSC conservation efforts.
A conversation with BFAR Regional Director Remia Aparri covered the need for BSC and regional fisheries protection, strengthening FARMCs, and enhancing the Sustainable Agricultural Area Development (SAAD) project, including providing livelihood support to fishers.
DA-6 representatives and DILG-6 Division Chief Maricel Bechayda expressed appreciation for the mission’s efforts and assured a thorough review of the concerns raised.
This advocacy mission sets the stage for a broader Regional Conference on BSC and fisheries governance reforms in May 2024.
