By Xander Ledesma
The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), under the leadership of PCOL Antonietto Ybanez Cañete, has shown its full support for the Fisherfolks Summit 2024, organized by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cebu City. Held on Friday, November 22, 2024, the summit was themed “Pagbuhi sa Kabaybayonang Panginabuhi sa Syudad sa Sugbo” (Reviving the Coastal Livelihoods of the City of Cebu), and aimed to address critical issues impacting Cebu’s fisherfolk communities, who rely on the region’s rich coastal resources for their livelihoods.
The summit brought together local government officials, specialists, and fisherfolk representatives in a collaborative effort to find solutions to challenges faced by coastal communities. These include economic instability, illegal fishing activities, and environmental threats such as climate change and overfishing. By promoting sustainable practices, the summit aimed to bolster the livelihoods of fisherfolk while ensuring the preservation of Cebu’s marine resources.
The CCPO’s involvement underscores the growing recognition of the fisherfolk’s essential role in Cebu’s social and economic fabric. PCOL Cañete highlighted the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, local government, and the fisherfolk community to create a safer, more sustainable future for coastal areas. “This summit is not just about fisherfolk; it is about everyone who values our coastal heritage. We are committed to supporting initiatives that ensure the safety, prosperity, and sustainability of our coastal communities,” said PCOL Cañete.
One of the CCPO’s primary goals at the summit was to emphasize the need for joint efforts in protecting fisherfolk from illegal activities like poaching and unlawful fishing. By supporting the summit, the police force also aims to strengthen its partnership with local communities and safeguard the region’s marine biodiversity, which faces numerous threats.
Cebu’s coastal regions, known for their abundant marine life, have long been vital to the local economy. However, the sector faces significant challenges, including the depletion of fish stocks, illegal fishing methods, and limited access to essential services like education, healthcare, and advanced fishing technologies. These issues were at the heart of the summit’s discussions, where experts shared insights into sustainable fishing methods, government programs for fisherfolk, and strategies to ensure the welfare and safety of community members.
A major focus of the summit was on sustainable resource management. With the support of law enforcement and government agencies, participants discussed ways to ensure that future generations of fisherfolk will continue to benefit from the rich marine resources that their ancestors relied upon. The discussions also centered on the protection of marine protected areas, the enforcement of fishing regulations, and the role of law enforcement in maintaining order and security in coastal communities.