By REYNARD MAGTOTO
Baretang Bikolnon

While fisherfolk groups celebrated what they calls “relative success”, Save Gubat Bay Movement (SGBM) expressed caution and vigilance over BFAR’s amendment on provisions in the Fishery Administrative Order (FAO) No. 264 this week.  

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) issued its amendment in December 2023 on the application and enforcement of Section 3 Paragraphs (a) and (b) of FAO 264, series of 2020, as well as its specific penal clause and exemptions.  

Small fishers and crab workers are now allowed to catch, possess, transport, trade and sell juvenile mangrove crablets, and mangrove crablets less than 12 centimeters, even the gravid mangrove crabs from the wild.  

However, crab species such as scylla serrata that are 11 cm long, the scylla olivacea and scylla tranquebarica that measure 8 cm remain prohibited for exporting.  

The fine of Php100,000 to Php5,000,000 depending on the socioeconomic impact and seriousness of the violation, volume and value of the fisheries product, and damage to the environment due to the violation, are likewise amended.  

The size regulation of mangrove crabs took effect 15 days after the publication of the amendment to FAO 264.  

“Although it is appropriate to rejoice in success, it is necessary to be vigilant,” said Allan Espallardo, chairperson of SGBM.

SGBM calls for the amendment to the scale allowed to be released from the local source, in areas where there is ample supply. But the group expressed that BFAR has totally opened the catch unregulated from the wild that will be traded.  

“What we have been asking for since then is the adjustment of the size allowed to catch, not the oversized 5cm that is almost impossible to reach,” Espallardo said.  

“Now it is legal to take all crabs, all sizes in the wild, including gravid crabs, mother crabs. This will cause exploitation of us poor fishers for the benefit of capitalists and local elite who are giant landowners of vast hectares of fishponds, businessmen-politicians while they are strengthening the hatchery industry,” Espallardo added.

Still, the SGBM expressed that its relative success was a testament to the perseverance of the group in mobilizing and unifying the local community against the challenges posed by FAO 264.  

“The strong sense of community ownership and involvement has been a driving force in facilitating a positive realization for BFAR and the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council to amend FAO 264,” SGBM stated. “Countering the ill-effects of FAO 264 demonstrates the movement’s ability to positively influence policy decisions, not only to protect Gubat’s local livelihood but also to set a precedent for responsible and community-centered policymaking.”  

Amid intimidation, red-tagging, limited resources, the groups said that its member-organizations persisted in taking action. The members are Cota na Daco Crablet Workers’ Association (Cotaw), Sorsogon King Crab Raisers’ Association (SKRA), Samahan Alay sa Kalikasan Cooperative (SAAKCO) and the Kumunidad san Lumalaban na Inaaping Parapadagat san Gubat (Kulag).  

“This relative success could not be realized without the unwavering support and legislative advocacy of Bayan Muna, Gabriela, ACT Teachers and Kabataan party list groups,” SGBM added. “In these life’s storms, our Church serves as our moral compass. We extend our deepest gratitude to Msgr. Francisco P. Monje and Msgr. Felix B. Eligado, Jr., whose active guidance has been a beacon of hope for our community.”  

The group also extends its gratitude to progressive organizations including the Lambat Bicol for the contribution to the positive realization of its campaign.  

“By providing clear information, SGBM has empowered individuals to actively advocate for the right to sustainable livelihood. The united fisherfolks’ organization exhibited the ability to thoroughly understand and articulate the implications of FAO 264,” the group said, recognizing the role of media organizations including the AlterMidya and Baretang Bikolnon.  

“Our media allies have been instrumental in raising awareness within the community and beyond,” SGBM added.  

The Save Gubat Bay Movement expressed its commitment to continue its campaign to preserve Gubat Bay and its natural marine resources – and to oppose policies and projects that will undermine life, livelihood and environmental integrity.  

“We must not forget our deep advocacy – to protect our environment and its natural resources. Protecting the environment is protecting the people,” Espallardo concluded.