By Felipe V. Celino
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Capiz has approved an ordinance regulating commercial fishing activities in the seawaters of the province.
The ordinance passed last March 17, 2025 was made upon the recommendation of the Capiz Provincial Bantay Dagat and the provincial Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-Capiz), which is an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Vice Governor James “Mitang” Magbanua was the principal author of the ordinance while 2nd District Provincial Board Member Cecelio Fecundo was the co-author.
According to Fecundo, the ordinance regulating commercial fishing activities within the territorial waters of the Province of Capiz was based on Republic Act No. 10654 as amended by
RA 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
The two national laws mandated the local government units (LGUs) to create a counterpart law in the local level to protect the natural resources of the sea.
The ordinance aims to give small fishermen access to the marine resources of Capiz.
Meanwhile, the ordinance awaits the approval of Capiz Governor Fredenil “Oto” Castro.
