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.
