The local government of Abucay led by Mayor Erik Martel underwent the onsite validation for the Fisheries Compliance Audit (FishCA) Regional Assessment conducted by the Manila Bay Regional Validation Team on May 22.
The validation team was composed of representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
The assessment aims to evaluate the compliance of coastal local government units with the provisions of the Philippine Fisheries Code, including fisheries governance, marine protection, and implementation of programs related to coastal resources and livelihood.
During the validation, LGU Abucay presented documents and data related to fisheries governance, including fish port facilities, fisherfolk inventory, fisheries ordinances, and programs for marine protection and law enforcement.
Mayor Martel and Councilor Dante Baluyot led and supported the activity, showing the local government’s commitment to responsible coastal resource management and strengthening the fisheries sector.
Representatives from the Municipal Agriculture Office, Philippine Coast Guard, MFARMC, BFARMC, and Bantay Dagat also joined the validation activity.
FishCA is an assessment tool used to measure the compliance of coastal LGUs with fisheries laws and regulations while promoting sustainable fisheries practices and effective coastal resource management.