A Study on the Implementation of Republic Act 10654 and Its Impacts on the Municipal Fisherfolk of Brgy. Sipac-Almacen, Navotas City

Abstract

In 2015, the Phillippine Fisheries Code of 1998 was amended through Republic Act 10654 which aims to prevent, deter, and eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing. The long-overdue revision took place due to the threat of imposing a trade ban that would restrict all fish imports from our country to one of the biggest global seafood consumers. However, a law is as good as nothing if its implementation is unjustly and inefficiently done, and if its intended purpose is not achieved. Seven years after Republic Act 10654 lapsed into law, does it still hold up to its goals, or has it become just like its precursor? This study aims to provide an analysis of the current implementation of Republic Act 10654 and to know its impacts on the municipal fisherfolk of Brgy. Sipac-Almacen, in order to provide recommendations that would ensure the protection of municipal fisherfolk’s rights in the preferential use of municipal waters.