The Department of Agriculture (DA) is now in the process of setting up an integrated agri-fishery development program on Pag-asa Island, Assistant Secretary James Layug said.
Layug, who accompanied senatorial aspirant Gregorio Honasan in a dialogue with local government officials of Kalayaan town last Friday, said the DA is currently establishing a technical working group that will conduct a study to initiate the process.
“So once we finish the study with your help, we will launch that. Ito ay commitment na ni Secretary (Laurel) para sa inyo. Una, crop production doon sa Pag-asa Island. Second is yung cold storage facility both chiller and freezer para sa isda at gulay at iba pang crops,” Layug stated during the dialogue.
“Another programs are to strengthening of salt production, seaweeds and fish cages na gusto nating maglagay doon sa iba pang isla, hindi lang sa Pag-asa,” he added.
Layug also made the commitment, saying he will serve as the liaison between the LGU and the department to facilitate collaboration.
He further noted that the program will also become a vital part of the country’s stronger stance in the West Philippine Sea.
He added that when he was asked by Secretary Laurel, he volunteered to become the focal person of the DA in the National Task Force for WPS to help strengthen the country’s position.
“Dahil importante na sinasabi nating atin yan, ipinaglalaban natin. So we should put our money where our mouth is,” he said.
A former military officer, Layug said he couldn’t help but recall when they were the ones removing buoys being put up by the Chinese in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.
He also lamented that with the change in the national government’s policy, the country slowly lost its firm grip in the region.
“Noong 90’s talagang freely, ang ating mga mangingisda nakakapangisda diyan at tayo pa ang nanghuhuli ng violators and poachers mula sa ibang bansa. We were able to enforce our fishery laws dyan,” he said.
