MoA for conservationof aquatic resources OK’d

THE 20th City Council during its regular session on Monday presided over by Vice Mayor Jocelyn B. Rodriguez has authorized City Mayor Rolando A. Uy to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 10 (DA-BFAR-X), Congressional Office of Rufus B. Rodriguez, E. Pelaez Ranch, Incorporated (EPRI) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Regional Office X (DENR-X), for the development, improvement and conservation of the fishery and aquatic resources in Region 10.

The agreement is related to the intention of the DA-BFAR-X to establish and develop an aquaculture facility in the 2nd district of Cagayan de Oro City to augment food production and security measures in the city which will require two (2) hectares of land.

It has sought the assistance of DENR-X for the determination of a parcel of land suitable for the establishment and development of the aquaculture facility.

The Congressional Office of Rufus B. Rodriguez has committed to provide assistance to DA-BFAR-X for the full establishment of the aquaculture facility.

While the city government has pledged to ensure the general welfare of the people of the city especially in the aspect of food security, and is willing to continue the management and operation of the said facility.

Under the MOA, the DA-BFAR-X will submit within 6 months a Five-Year Comprehensive Development and Management Plan with the DENR-X for the proposed establishment of the facility within the area of Sitio Mapawa, Cugman. It will turn-over the facility to the city upon its completion and after two (2) years of maintenance and protection, among others.

For its part, the EPRI will allow the entry of DA-BFAR-X in Sitio Mapawa for the establishment and development of the facility in accordance with the existing laws, rules and regulations. Meanwhile, the Office of Congressman Rodriguez will assist the DA-BFAR-X in securing funds for the establishment of the facility as well as provide through the DWPH 2nd District Engineering Office, for the concreting of the road from the present road system to the area.

The DENR will provide technical assistance to DA-BFAR-X in the preparation of the comprehensive development plan for the facility and ensure full compliance with pertinent environmental laws, rules and regulations.

While the city will apply for Forest Land Use Agreement with the DENR-X for the sustainability and continued operation of the aquaculture facility after its turn-over by the DA-BFAR-X, and assume the management and operation of the facility.

The legislation was reviewed and endorsed by the committees on agriculture, fisheries and cultural communities and on laws and rules respectively chaired by Councilors Jay R. Pascual and Ian Mark Q. Nacaya.