3-month closed fishing season in Davao Gulf begins

By Philippine News Agency

Published Jun 2, 2025 04:19 pm

DAVAO CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Davao (BFAR-11) announced on Monday the start of this year’s three-month closed fishing season at the Davao Gulf, from June 1 to August 31.

In a press briefing, Elaine Vera Belvis, BFAR-11 Fisheries Management and Regulatory Enforcement Division chief, said the fishing ban is crucial for protecting small pelagic fish species and ensuring their recovery and reproduction in the region's waters.

“During this season, we specifically protect key fish species such as big-eyed scad (matang baka), mackerel (alumahan), and round scad (galunggong),” Belvis explained. “According to a study, the fish catch trend is either increasing or has shown positive results following the consistent implementation of this closed season.”

As the program enters its 12th year, the use of ring nets and bag nets (basligan) – the two main fishing gears, regardless of tonnage, or modified gears with similar operations – is strictly prohibited.

The fishing ban is enforced in accordance with the Department of Agriculture-Department of the Interior and Local Government (DA-DILG) joint administrative order for the conservation of small fishes in Davao Gulf and the country’s existing fisheries code.

The Davao Gulf, which extends from Cape San Agustin in Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental, to Talagotong Point in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental, is recognized as a vital spawning ground for various small pelagic species.

Violations of the ban will incur severe penalties, including fines ranging from P20,000 to P500,000, imprisonment, confiscation of catches and fishing equipment, and revocation of fishing licenses.

Mount Apo annual rehab starts

The majestic Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, will temporarily close its trails to trekkers from June to August for its annual rehabilitation and preservation, the Digos City Tourism Office (DCTO) said.

In an online post, the DCTO said the annual closure coincides with the mating season of Mount Apo's diverse fauna, allowing the mountain to rejuvenate and recover naturally.

“This crucial conservation effort ensures the protection of its rich biodiversity and delicate ecosystem, helping preserve the natural wonders of Mount Apo for generations to come,” it said.

The DCTO assured trekkers that Mount Apo, standing at 9,692 feet above sea level, will reopen its doors to adventurers in September.

Meanwhile, the office highlighted a recent achievement involving a senior citizen who successfully reached the summit of Mount Apo on May 20.

Leticia Sobebe, 70, from Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, demonstrated that age is no barrier to achieving ambitious goals.

“With firm determination and remarkable strength, Nanay Leticia completed the challenging climb, inspiring adventurers of all ages to keep chasing their dreams,” the DCTO said. (PNA)

Rains to continue over parts of PH due to 3 weather systems

Philippine News Agency   November 29,2024 - 09:23 AM

MANILA – The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), the shear line, and the northeast monsoon or “amihan” will continue to bring cloudy skies with rains over parts of the country, the weather bureau said Friday.

In its 4 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, and the Negros Island Region will have cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the ITCZ.

The shear line will bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over Quezon, Laguna, and the Bicol region.

2 weather systems to bring rains over parts of PH

Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera region, and Aurora will have cloudy skies with rains while Metro Manila and the rest of Central Luzon will experience isolated light rains due to the amihan.

The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

Read more: https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/608976/rains-to-continue-over-parts-of-ph-due-to-3-weather-systems#ixzz8svyp7lkP

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Davaoeños urged to follow 8 rules

By Philippine News Agency

January 5, 2024 40

DAVAO CITY: The city government has called on residents to observe road discipline and community safety through eight rules as the new year starts.

The local government said Davaoeños should adhere to the use of pedestrian lanes for safe crossing of the streets to avoid "jaywalking penalties" as embodied under the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City.

"Secondly, the public should also use overpasses to ensure safe crossing of roads," the city government said in a statement Thursday.

It also emphasized the proper parking of vehicles in designated areas to avoid inconvenience to other motorists and ensure safe sidewalks for pedestrians.

Fourth on the list is the "don't drink and drive" rule under the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Law or RA 10586, and fifth is the observance of the city's Speed Limit Ordinance.

Meanwhile, for community safety, Davaoeños are urged to practice proper waste disposal in designated areas.

"Davaoeños are urged to avoid littering and to only throw waste in garbage cans," the statement said, adding that the measure aligns with the prevention of dengue under the locality's Mosquito-Borne Viral Disease Prevention Program.

"If our environment is clean, we can lessen bacteria. Also, if our environment is clean we will not have open containers which can be a breeding place for mosquitos," Tomas Ababon, the city health officer in charge, said.

Davaoeños are also urged to follow the Anti-Nuisance Ordinance, which limits loud noise until 10 p.m.

Census finds 32 water bird species thriving in 2 Agusan del Norte towns

by Philippine News Agency

BUTUAN CITY (PNA) – At least 32 water bird species are found thriving inside the monitoring site in Lake Mainit stretching across the towns of Jabonga and Kitcharao in Agusan del Norte province, highlighting the need for sustained ecological preservation.

WHITE Browed Crake (DENR CENRO Tubay FB)

“The census also recorded 12 new water bird species foraging and taking refuge inside the monitoring site in Lake Mainit,” the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Tubay, Agusan del Norte (CENRO-Tubay) said in a statement on Thursday, Jan. 19. 

It was referring to the Annual Asian Water Bird Census (AWC) launched on Wednesday, Jan. 18, which is conducted during the second and third week of every January not only in the country but also in other parts of the world, particularly in Asia.

The Top 5 water bird species with the highest number found inside the monitoring site in Lake Mainit include the Tufted Duck, Whiskered Tern, Intermediate Egret, Common Tern, and the Javan Pond Heron.

“The census also recorded 12 new water bird species foraging and taking refuge inside the monitoring site in Lake Mainit,” the CENRO-Tubay said.

The new bird species include the Yellow Bittern, Purple Swamphen, Wood Swallow, White Throated Kingfisher, Philippine Duck, White Browed Crake, Common Tern, Slender-billed Crow, Swiftlets, Short-Billed Brown Dove, Olive Backed Sunbird, Yellow Vented Bulbul, and Spotted Dove.

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The CENRO-Tubay noted the number of thriving bird species inside the sites this year decreased compared to 2022.

“Last year’s total individual count was 44,508 water birds. We recorded an almost 17 percent of decrease in their number this year,” it said.