The Iloilo Provincial Government convened a coordination meeting on Friday with concerned offices and stakeholders to launch the full implementation of Executive Order No. 72, Series of 2026.
Executive Order 72 establishes the province's Marine Wildlife Conservation, Bycatch Monitoring, and Stranding Response Program which is designed to protect coastal biodiversity and strengthen emergency responses for marine life.
A highlight of the meeting was the introduction of the Task Force members responsible for driving the program's success.
The Task Force will be chaired by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. with members from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine Coast Guard, University of the Philippines Visayas, and Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), among others.
Present at the meeting, BFAR Region VI Regional Director Remia Aparri commended the provincial government for its initiative in safeguarding local marine ecosystems.
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