File Photo: Garbage patch
QUEZON PROVINCE, Philippines – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Quezon province calls on local government executives to strictly implement proper solid waste management system.
The agency said it is necessary to prevent pollution especially of plastic wastes that would possibly affect and kill the province’s fishing and tourism industry.
“Kulang pa iyong effort. Kung mai-implement talaga iyong mga batas ng gaya ng Solid Waste Management Act. Doon pa lang sa bahay mama-manage na iyong basura, walang makakarating sa dagat,” said BFAR Region 4A Director Wilfredo Cruz.
Aside from waste pollution, fishermen in the province expressed concern over rampant illegal fishing activities that kill corals and worsen the effects of climate change.
Fishermen blamed the lack of action by the local government on their appeals.
“Ang talagang nawala ang suporta ng ating mga locale executives…Di ko po nilalahat pero iyon po ang pagkakataon na medyo nagkaroon ng kabiguan ang ating mga mangingisda,” lamented Ramon Grimaldo, president of a local environmental group Tanggol Kalikasan.
Meanwhile, BFAR vows to continuously find ways to help the local fishermen in the province.
The Philippines is third among the countries with the highest volume of plastic wastes in the world following China and Indonesia. – Japhet Cablaida / Marje Pelayo
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