Manila, Philippines – Badjao’s community name as the “GUARDIANS of the SEA” said DOA Secretary.
The Philippines is composed of more than 7000 islands surrounded in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, we are abundant of natural resources specially aquatic animals.
Department of Agriculture in Davao appointed the Badjao’s community to be the “GUARDIANS of the SEA” under the “Bantay Laut” program in Davao City said DOA secretary (Emmanuel PiƱol).
Photo credit: Mindanation
Their duties include the following:
- monitoring illegal fishing activities
- gather garbage floating in the waters
As “Bantay Laut”, the Badjao fishermen will receive fiberglass motorized fishing boats to patrol the sea. They will also be issued IDs and radio communications equipment, that will link them up with the Coast Guard and the Maritime Police. Under this program “Badjao community” who are entitled as “Bantay Laut” will receive P3,000 honorarium each but with a condition “that they will allow their children to undergo a basic literacy program”.
The next batch of Badjaos who will be benefit as “Bantay Laut” are from Zamboanga and Basilan community.
Source: mindanation
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