Dagupan operators destroy fish pens; demolition drive on

DAGUPAN CITY -- Several fish pen operators have voluntarily dismantled their illegally-constructed fish pens as the 15-day grace period given by the city government came to an end last month.

Even former Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President Charice Perez committed to remove the structure she owns as the City Agriculture Office’s “Bantay Dagat” began implementing the demolition order issued by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez against illegal structures that obstruct the natural flow of water in bodies of water.

The subject of the demolition order are fish pens located in prohibited zones, outside the designated navigational lanes, obstructing the natural flow of water and other aquatic resources, said Emma Molina, city agriculture officer.

Molina said six fish pen owners have volunteered to dismantle their fish pens while those who fail to comply will be subject to demolition.

The record shows that there are 66 fish pens due for demolition: 20 in Lucao; 15 in Calmay; 11 in Carael; eight in Tapuac; seven in Pugaro; two in Salapingao; two in Lomboy and one in Tambac.

The dismantling comes more than a month before the start of the 2014 month long Bangus festival that will start on April 1.

The festival will highlight its newest addition “Bangusine” or Bangus Cuisine International that will be participated in by international students from the different universities here who will cook bangus their native way. – Liezle BasaInigo