CAVITE, Philippines – A comprehensive initiative aimed at ensuring the sustainable management of coastal resources in Cavite province saw the participation of environmental law organization Tanggol Kalikasan alongside various government agencies.
Spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region IV-A (DILG IV-A), the Fishery Compliance Audit (FishCA) involved a thorough table-top assessment followed by onsite inspections conducted from March 24 to 28, 2025, across eight coastal Local Government Units (LGUs): Bacoor City, Noveleta, Kawit, Rosario, Naic, Tanza, Maragondon, and Ternate.
The collaborative effort brought together the expertise and resources of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region IV-A (BFAR IV-A), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Cavite (DENR-PENRO Cavite), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Science and Technology Region IV-A (DOST IV-A), and Tanggol Kalikasan.
The primary objective of this intensive five-day activity was to rigorously evaluate the compliance levels of these coastal LGUs with Republic Act No. 8550, the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended by Republic Act No. 10654. This critical legislation aims to promote responsible and sustainable fishing practices, ensure the conservation of vital marine resources, and mandate adherence to regulations designed to safeguard the Philippines' rich aquatic biodiversity.
During the assessment, officials from the participating agencies engaged directly with local government authorities. Discussions focused on the effective enforcement of existing fisheries policies, the identification of challenges and gaps in implementation at the regional level, and the collaborative development of targeted strategies to strengthen overall fisheries management within these coastal municipalities.
Key areas of focus included the implementation of regulations against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the establishment and management of marine protected areas, the enforcement of closed seasons, and the adoption of sustainable aquaculture practices. The involvement of TESDA and DOST IV-A highlighted the importance of skills development and the application of scientific and technological advancements in supporting sustainable fisheries and alternative livelihood opportunities for coastal communities. Tanggol Kalikasan contributed valuable
insights from a legal and environmental advocacy standpoint.
This multi-sectoral initiative underscores the national government's strong commitment to preserving the country's invaluable marine ecosystems and promoting responsible fisheries management practices. By fostering collaboration between national agencies, local government units, and civil society organizations, the effort aims to ensure the long-term health and productivity of Cavite's coastal waters and support the livelihoods of the communities that depend on them, all while adhering to national environmental laws. The findings of the assessment are expected to inform future interventions and capacity-building programs to further enhance fisheries governance in the region.