March 8, 2024

Fishermen group calls for protection, utilisation of Philippine Rise

The Philippine government faces mounting calls to safeguard and tap into the abundant resources of the Philippine Rise to enhance the nation's fisheries sector, prompted by recent sightings of Chinese research vessels in the area, Philstar reported.

The Philippines' National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organisations (PAMALAKAYA) criticised the government for what it perceives as a consistent neglect in preserving and fully utilising the resources of the underwater plateau, formerly known as Benham Rise, leaving it vulnerable to foreign poaching and exploitation.

Fernando Hicap, national chairperson of PAMALAKAYA, emphasised the need for prioritising the sustainable management of the Philippine Rise to bolster the country's industry and food security.

Situated off the eastern coast of the Philippines, the Philippine Rise boasts rich biodiversity, abundant fish stocks, and potential gas deposits within its 13-million-hectare area, falling under the country's exclusive economic zone and extended continental shelf.

Despite its geographical distance from mainland Luzon, PAMALAKAYA highlighted the significant contributions of the Philippine Rise to local fisheries, particularly benefiting provinces such as Aurora, Isabela, Cagayan, Quezon, and Bicol.

Former agriculture chief Emmanuel Pinol underscored the importance of the Philippine Rise as a "protected food supply exclusive zone," emphasising its strategic value for national security and sustainable development.

Hicap called for regular maritime patrols to thwart poaching and unauthorised exploration activities, advocating for greater support for local research and development initiatives to explore the full potential of the Philippine Rise's oil and mineral resources.

In 2017, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order renaming Benham Rise to Philippine Rise, reaffirming the country's sovereignty and jurisdiction over the area, and signalling its commitment to harnessing its vast marine resources for the benefit of Filipino citizens.

-      Philstar