Press Release

March 31, 2016

RD Albaladejo as he delivers his speech during the 495th First Mass Anniversary celebration in Limasawa, Southern Leyte.	RD Albaladejo as he receives his plaque of appreciation together with Local Government Unit officials of Southern Leyte.

Rev. Fr. Margarito C. Soco as he blesses 19 units of fiber glass outrigger-type patrol boats with complete boat accessories and double 12 horsepower diesel engines.	RD Albaladejo with Gov. Roger Mercado and PFO Julius Alpino.

Towns in Southern Leyte receive patrol boats from DA-BFAR

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region VIII joined the whole community of Limasawa, Southern Leyte in commemorating the 495th anniversary of the historical  first Catholic mass ever conducted in the Philippines and in Asia.

In line with the remarkable event, BFAR Regional Director Dr. Juan D. Albaladejo, together with some personnel of the bureau, turned over 19 units of fiberglass outrigger-type patrol boats to coastal municipalities in Southern Leyte province. Complete boat accessories and double 12 horsepower diesel engines were also given. The town beneficiaries include Silago, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Anahawan, St. Bernard, San Juan, Libagon, Sogod, Bontoc, Tomas Oppus, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Malitbog, Maasin, Macrohon, Padre Burgos and Limasawa Island. The patrol boats and equipment were blessed in Brgy. Magallanes, Limasawa.

According to RD Albaladejo, the Bureau is upholding its goal to equip all coastal municipalities in the region with patrol boats which will be used in monitoring municipal waters against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF). This will also empower the municipalities to implement activities to promote the protection and conservation our aquatic resources.

It can be recalled that the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 was amended through Republic Act 10654, the law to deter and eliminate IUUF in the country. In his speech, RD Albaladejo said that the penalties that will be collected from Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing will be divided accordingly to 50% for the education of fisherfolk children, 25% for livelihood and the remaining 25% will be for the LGU.

The ceremony was part of the “495th First Mass Anniversary celebration and Balik-Duaw Sr. Sto. Nino sa Limasawa”. In attendance were Rev. Fr. Margarito C. Soco, Cong. Damian G.
 
Mercado, Gov. Roger G. Mercado, Limasawa Mayor Melchor P. Pentracorta, and the mayors of the different municipalities of Southern Leyte.

Furthermore, Dr. Albaladejo pledged a speed boat to Southern Leyte, “para matulungan ang adhikain  sa pangangalaga ng mangrove at marine protected areas,” he said.

Prepared by:

(SIGNED)
CATHERINE G. MEYCADOR

(SIGNED)
MAREYANE D. ROJAS
IEC Staff

                                                                                                                          Approved by:

                                                                                                                          (SIGNED)
                                                                                                                          DR. JUAN D. ALBALADEJO
                                                                                                                          Regional Director

Reference :

Republic of the Philippines Department of Agriculture
BUREAU OF FISHERIES & AQUATIC RESOURCES
Regional Office No. 8
3rd  Floor, SDC 1 Bldg., Brgy. 77, Marasbaras, Tacloban City