Coastal, fishery resources management ordinance OK’d

The 21st City Council has approved the Comprehensive Coastal and Fishery Resources Management Ordinance, a measure seeking to strengthen the management, conservation, and protection of the city's coastal and fishery resources.

Ordinance No. 15489-2026 was authored by Councilor Juancho Pascual, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources, who described its approval as a milestone for the city's fisherfolk and coastal communities.

The ordinance establishes a local framework for managing coastal and fishery resources, including rules and sanctions intended to strengthen enforcement within the city's municipal waters.

In a statement, Pascual said the measure addresses the legislative need that has been identified in Cagayan de Oro's development plans for years.

He emphasized that the ordinance seeks to protect marine resources while supporting the livelihoods of fisherfolk and coastal communities that depend on the sea for food and income.

“Protecting our fisheries means helping ensure that our fisherfolk can continue to earn a living today without exhausting the resources that their children and future generations will depend upon tomorrow,” Pascual said.

Pascual acknowledged the contributions of the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC), City Agriculture Office, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), City Legal Office, the Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources, his fellow council members, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders in the development and passage of the measure.

Addressing the city's fisherfolk, he said, “Kini nga ordinansa para kaninyo ug para sa kaugmaon sa atong kadagatan.”

Pascual stressed that the ordinance's approval marks the beginning of continued efforts to ensure its proper implementation and extend its benefits to coastal communities.

“As chair of the committee on agriculture, fisheries, and aquatic resources, I will continue working with our fisherfolk, the city government, and our partner agencies to make sure that the ordinance is properly implemented and that its benefits reach our coastal communities,” he said.

He also called for continued efforts to protect marine resources, support fisherfolk, and preserve the sea for future generations. (PGU/SP)