SASMUAN, Pampanga — About 100 fisherfolks and residents in barangay Batang II attended a Stakeholders’ Forum of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Manila Bay Coordinating Office (DENR-MBCO) and partners from the national and local government.
“We are holding this activity to educate fisherfolks and residents with the Supreme Court Mandamus of restoring Manila Bay to its original seawaters that is fit for swimming, bathing and skin diving by proper rehabilitation of water channels,” DENR-MBCO Central Luzon Focal Person Cynde T. Pagador said.
“According to studies we conducted, Manila Bay is no longer safe for swimming because of its high coliform content obtained from both human and animal wastes,” Pagador added.
The forum featured discussions from the Philippine Coast Guard on the registration of the locals’ vessels or Bangka under a Safety, Security and Environmental Numbering System.
Moreover,Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources gave an overview on existing laws, issuances and regulations concerning fishing activities. (CLJD/CJFV-PIA 3)
