30/05/2026
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Province of Iloilo
Municipality of Concepcion
SANGGUNIANG BAYAN
RESOLUTION NO. _____
Series of 2026
A RESOLUTION URGING THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES (BFAR), THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (DA), THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES (DENR), AND OTHER CONCERNED NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO IMMEDIATELY ADDRESS THE UNITED STATES BAN ON PHILIPPINE BLUE SWIMMING CRAB FISHERIES AND TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO AFFECTED FISHERMEN, WORKERS, AND COMMUNITIES
WHEREAS, the United States National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a negative comparability finding against Philippine blue swimming crab fisheries under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA);
WHEREAS, the report stated that the Philippines failed to establish adequate marine mammal bycatch monitoring, reporting systems, and sufficient mitigation measures involving endangered Irrawaddy dolphins;
WHEREAS, the blue swimming crab industry provides livelihood and income to thousands of small fishermen, crab pickers, plant workers, traders, and transport workers in coastal communities throughout the country;
WHEREAS, the continued implementation of the ban may result in reduced exports, declining crab prices, closure or reduced operations of processing plants, and loss of livelihood among affected communities;
WHEREAS, there is an urgent need for the national government to implement corrective actions, establish effective monitoring systems, and provide economic assistance to affected sectors;
RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved, to strongly urge the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and all concerned national government agencies to immediately address the compliance issues cited by the United States National Marine Fisheries Service regarding Philippine blue swimming crab fisheries;
RESOLVED FURTHER, to urge the immediate implementation of a comprehensive marine mammal bycatch monitoring and reporting program consistent with international standards;
RESOLVED FURTHERMORE, to request the national government to provide financial assistance, alternative livelihood support, and economic interventions for affected fishermen, workers, and communities dependent on the crab industry;
RESOLVED FINALLY, that copies of this Resolution be furnished to the Office of the President, BFAR, DA, DENR, concerned Congressional Offices, and other relevant agencies for their appropriate action.