The Department of Foreign Affairs commended the passage of Provincial Resolution No. 15968 Series of 2021 by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Palawan that expressed strong protest against China’s unilateral declaration and imposition of fishing moratorium/ban in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“The DFA commends the efforts of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Palawan in fighting for the rights of fisherfolk in their affected community through the adoption of Provincial Resolution No. 15968, expressing its strong protest against China’s unilateral declaration and imposition of a fishing ban in the South China Sea and supporting the diplomatic protest filed by the DFA,” DFA tweeted on Saturday
The DFA underscored the important role of government entities in protecting the country’s territory. “This laudable initiative demonstrates that all branches and levels of government have an important role to play in defending our country’s interests,” DFA added.
In a separate statement, Palawan Board Member Ryan Maminta, co-author of the said resolution, said it’s a great honor for the Province of Palawan as the DFA gave support to the resolution of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan which will help in the fight for the rights of Palaweño fishers.
“Ang pagkilala ng DFA sa ating maliit na ambag upang ipaglaban ang ating soberanya, protektahan ang integridad ng ating teritoryo at karapatan ng ating mga mangingisdang Filipino at Palaweño ay isang malaking karangalan. Higit itong makakapagpalakas sa ating resolba upang patuloy na tumayo at makipaglaban sa mapayapang paraan para sa ating lalawigan at bansa,” Maminta stated.
Board member Juan Antonio Alvarez, a co-author of the resolution, expressed his gratitude for the commendation of DFA.
“Ang commendation ng DFA ay isang magandang sorpresa dahil hindi natin inakala na mapapakinggan tayo. Thankful tayo dahil gumagana ang ating pakikipaglaban para sa karapatan at hanapbuhay ng ating mangingisda,” Alvarez stated.
Provincial Resolution No. 15968-2021 was approved last June 9, 2021 .