The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) turned over four Norwegian-type high-density polyethylene fish cages and operational inputs worth P5.862 million pesos to the municipality of Magsaysay on December 5, 2024.

The ceremony, held at the Port of Sta. Teresa, was attended by representatives from the local government, including Executive Assistant II June V. Lee, who represented Occidental Mindoro Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano.

Lee conveyed the governor’s message, citing the importance of sustainable fishing practices to ensure food security for every Filipino household.

The governor said that DA-BFAR’s program is in line with the provincial government’s goal of promoting sustainable fishing practices and providing support to Mindoreño fishermen.

The new fish cages, which are typhoon-proof, can hold over 10,000 milkfish fingerlings and are expected to provide a considerable source of income for the residents of Magsaysay.

The turnover ceremony was also attended by Occidental Mindoro Representative Leody Tarriela, Magsaysay Mayor Cesar Tria, and other local officials.

The project is part of the Aquaculture and Marinculture Expansion and Invigoration Project (AMEIP) aimed at promoting sustainable fishing practices and improving the livelihood of local fishermen.

Mindoro Island Fishing Industry
The fishing industry on Mindoro Island continues to deal with the aftermath of a devastating oil spill in early 2023.

The disaster, which released approximately 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil into the waters off Naujan town, has had a lasting impact on the island’s marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of local fishermen.

According to recent data, fisheries production in Oriental Mindoro has shown a mixed recovery, with total production reaching 2,174.92 metric tons in the second quarter of 2024, a 17.6% increase from the previous year.

However, marine municipal fisheries saw a decline of 23.4%, while commercial fisheries experienced a 94.7% growth.

Aquaculture production, on the other hand, decreased by 41.5%.

The oil spill, considered one of the worst environmental disasters in the island’s history, has affected over 20,000 hectares of coral reefs, 9,900 hectares of mangroves, and 6,000 hectares of seagrass.

Mindoro fishermen have reported a drastic decline in their catch, with many only able to bring home a fraction of their previous earnings due to lingering pollution in the waters.

The socio-economic losses from the disaster are estimated at approximately P1.1 billion pesos, with calls for accountability and compensation for affected communities ongoing.

Activists and Mindoro leaders are advocating for stronger legal protections for the Verde Island Passage, a critical biodiversity hotspot, and its designation as a protected marine area under national laws.

The Philippine government is under pressure to implement measures that restrict polluting industries and enhance conservation efforts in the Verde Island Passage to prevent further ecological disasters and safeguard Mindoro livelihoods.