P20-M in incentives SEARCH FOR CLEANEST COASTAL VILLAGES, TOWNS LAUNCHED

By Manny Piñol

A nation-wide program to stop illegal fishing and promote clean and sustainable fishing grounds has been started with the launching of the Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan Oct. 17 in Calatagan, Batangas.

In conceptualising the program, I took the inspiration from the highly successful “Clean and Green” Program which chose the cleanest and greenest towns and provinces all over the country during the time of President Fidel V. Ramos.

Under the Malinis at Masagang Karagatan or MMK Program, coastal communities will compete for the top prize of P20-M which will be given to those who have implemented the following programs:

1. Successful campaign against illegal fishing;

2. Declared and protected Marine Sanctuary;

3. Three-month closed fishing season where fishermen allow the fish to spawn and multiply;

4. Clean coastal waters without floating garbage or plastic wrappers;

5. Well-maintained and protected mangrove area.

The program is expected to ensure sustainable fishing in all parts of the country and put an end to illegal fishing which uses dynamites and even cyanide.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, a bureau under the Dept. of Agriculture and headed by former Coast Guard Commodore Eduardo Gongona, spearheads the implementation of the program.

Winning communities will receive the cash awards intended for livelihood programs in a ceremony to be scheduled in Malacañang in December this year with no less than President Rody Duterte giving out the Presidential Trophies.

The nomination for the entries to the nation-wide competition could be sent to the BFAR office on Elliptical Road in Quezon City or to the Office of the Secretary, Dept. of Agriculture.

(This MMK campaign video was produced by BFAR and features President Rody Duterte leading the campaign.)