BFAR, PAMALAKAYA discuss Manila Bay dredging, reclamation activities

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) held a dialogue on Friday and discussed ongoing dredging and reclamation activities in Manila Bay.

According to Maki Pulido’s report on “24 Oras”, members of the PAMALAKAYA marched to the BFAR office in Quezon City and protested against the activities at the Nicholas Shoal in Cavite which they said adversely impacted their livelihood.

The dredging and reclamation activities in the area began in 2021 and resulted in the loss of fish harvest. The group said some fishermen opted to fish in other areas to earn a living but were fined P20,000 for supposedly violating ordinances against illegal entry.

“Kadalasan ay illegal entry samantalang ang mga China sa West Philippine Sea ay di nahuhuli. Malaya [silang] nakakapangisda,” said PAMALAKAYA President Fernando Hicap.

(They were fined for violating illegal entry but the Chinese in the West Philippine Sea are not being arrested. They can freely fish there.)

BFAR said they will coordinate with the Department of Natural and Environment Resources (DENR) to discuss the issue. However, it clarified that the DENR never consulted them before issuing the environmental impact assessment for the dredging.

The fisheries agency said it would hold wider consultations in the province and ask affected fishermen what assistance they needed.

“Kinilala ng dalawang grupo na ang isyu po ay may kinalaman din ang mandato ng ibang ahensya,” BFAR Spokesperson Nazario Briguera said.

(The two groups acknowledged the issue is connected to the mandate of other agencies.)

GMA Integrated News reached out to the DENR for comment but the department has yet to respond. — Sundy Locus/DVM, GMA Integrated News