P10M prize for cleanest coastal community in PH - DA

To boost water conservation and illegal fishing awareness, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said government will be launching a nationwide search for the country’s cleanest coastal community, with the winners getting livelihood funds of P10 million and other Presidential awards, told FoodEvolution post.

The search for the cleanest coastal community will go hand-in-hand with a nationwide campaign against illegal fishing and a strict implementation of a three-month closed season when the different species of fish spawn.

The Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will judge the participants by the following criteria:
- absence of illegal fishing
- observance of closed season
- well-protected marine sanctuary
- garbage free coastal waters
- and, sustained mangrove protection and rehabilitation program.
“The most critical preparation for climate change is in the area of water conservation and management,” Piñol said.

The agri chief added that government will also provide funding and support the culture and production of high value fish species such as Lapu-lapu and Maya-maya as well as other commercial species such as Bangus and Tilapia. He said the production of shrimps, crabs, and other marine products will also be intensified.

Sources: FoodEvolution.