DINALUNGAN, Aurora – The municipal government of Dinalungan in Aurora received a P1-million check for placing second in the Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) Search for Outstanding Coastal Community in Central Luzon.
Apart from the cash prize, the LGU also received a plaque of recognition from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
BFAR Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz said the award is a manifestation of Dinalungan’s effort to preserve and protect natural aquatic resources through the years.
“The prize is only secondary. This award shows the abundance in Dinalungan’s fisheries sector, which bears a big impact on the lives of Filipinos,” Cruz noted.
For his part, Mayor Manuel Torres cited new projects to increase the capture capability in their marine waters.
The cash prize will be allotted for the procurement of big boats and motor boats for the town’s fisherfolks.
“Not being able to achieve the first-place award through the five years of participation challenged the entire local government unit to be uncomplacent in our efforts to maintain the cleanliness and abundance of our aquatic resources,” Torres stated.
MMK is a banner program of BFAR which aims to give recognition to the outstanding initiatives and contributions of coastal municipalities or cities towards sustainable fisheries management.
Five general criteria include no illegal fishing, compliance to closed fishing season, establishment of marine protected areas, clean coastal waters and effective mangrove protection, and rehabilitation program.
