The SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. called for a meeting regarding the Formulation of Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 11038 of 2018, otherwise known as the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas Systems Act (ENIPAS). The meeting was held last January 8, 2019, at East Asia Royale Hotel, General Santos City. It was attended by the fishery stakeholders from the industry and government agencies.
The meeting aims to solicit suggestions and recommendations for the IRR of ENIPAS. It also help provides accurate information to the concern departments of the possible adverse consequence of the possible inclusion of aquaculture, agriculture as well as eco-tourism in the list of “special uses”.
Atty. Asis G. Perez, from PPRB Law Office and Consultancy Firm, presented the salient features of the IRR. The law was passed by Congress in March 21, 2018 and signed by the President on June 22 2018. An important feature of the law is the expansion of the existing protected areas, particularly those under the category of protected landscapes and seascapes. Over one million and seven hundred twenty-four thousand (1,724,000) hectares have been designated by law under the said category which includes major areas of fishing and aquaculture production.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will set to pass the IRR on February 2019. Atty. Perez suggested that before the implementing rules is finalized (particularly that pertains to Section 25 of the law) the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and relevant agencies such as, Department of Tourism, Department of Energy and National Economic Development Authority, collaborate with the DENR in crafting of IRR. As he said, the possible adverse economic consequences should be considered in its application.
