The House of Representatives in the Philippines has approved on third and final reading a measure seeking to establish settlement areas for fisherfolks and fishing communities.
Voting 242 affirmative and three negative votes, the House approved House Bill 6716 which will amend the Philippine Fisheries Code (Republic Act 8850).
Under the bill, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and concerned local government units shall identify, establish, and create settlement areas that have adequate access to fishing grounds.
It further provides that fisherfolk shall be granted preference in the award of settlement rights in previously identified or established settlement areas.
Local government units exercising jurisdiction over coastal areas and municipal waters are mandated to integrate settlement areas for fisherfolk in their respective comprehensive land use plans, under the bill.