Region
12 Boosts Fish Production in 2003
 The
newly aligned region 12 specifically the Bureau of Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources posted its high increase of 20.72% in
fisheries production for the year 2003.
The
increase production was the result of the combined efforts
made by the bureau with the leadership of Regional Director
Sani D. Macabalang and full support of his staff, active participation
and strong partnership of fisherfolk, LGUs and other stakeholders.
For
the year 2003, production of the fisheries in region 12 grew
by 20.72% or a total of 241,838 metric tons in a report released
by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS). By subsectors,
municipal and aquaculture sector went up by 7.20% and 18.23%
respectively while the commercial sector posted a 24.56% which
attained the highest percentage increase.
Director
Macabalang revealed that it was a very tough challenge for
the region to take the necessary steps in responding to the
needs of our clientele in the newly reconstituted region now
called SOCKSARGEN which covers General Santos City –
the Tuna Capital region where you find the seven (7) biggest
canneries for export in the country. He said that the 20.72%
increase has greatly contributed to the national growth rate
of the fishing industry which has consistently increased every
year. “It is not enough that we increase our production;
but we must also practice fisheries resource protection and
conservation for sustainable management to protect the source
of the fisherfolks’ basic livelihood”, he ended.
The
monumental success of BFAR was due to the three realities;
reconstitution of BFAR as line bureau that fully implement
the Fisheries Code or the RA 8550; the institutionalization
of FARMCs and the Information, Education and Communication
(IEC) as its strong component.
The
new realigned region was established in pursuant to Executive
Order No. 36 providing the reorganization of the Administrative
regions in Mindanao to promote efficiency in the government
and improve public services. (S. Paguital)
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