SAN REMEGIO, Cebu, Philippines – With the aim of finally eradicating the alleged rampant illegal fishing activities in the northern towns of Cebu, local government units and the Provincial Capitol on Thursday launched the Far North Cebu Coastal Resource Management Council.

Comprising the cluster are the municipalities of San Remigio, Medellin, Tabuelan, Tuburan and the City of Bogo. Council members aim to work together within their common coastal ecosystem in order to maximize resources and reap benefits through their collaboration.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia witnessed the signing of a memorandum of agreement with Bogo City Mayor Celestino Martinez, Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez, San Remigio Mayor Jay Olivar, Tabuelan Mayor Rex Casiano Gerona and Tuburan Mayor Democrito Diamante officially launching the council.

Others who witnessed the signing were fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, Provincial Board Member Joven Mondigo Jr. and Director Andres Bojos of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-7.

Garcia thanked the mayors for showing their enthusiasm in forming the cluster purposely to eliminate illegal fishing in the area.

Garcia said it is difficult to pursue the campaign if the local government units are not “honestly and unquestionably against illegal fishing.”

The BFAR provided the fourth district two patrol boats upon the request of Salimbangon supposedly to be stationed in Bogo City and Tabogon.

Garcia also turned over Friday a check worth P500,000 to the cluster as its seed fund to pursue their projects. Each member LGU also got a Global Positioning System device, 10-million candlepower searchlights and insurance policies for Bantay Dagat.

Garcia also inducted the officers of the cluster’s Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council led by San Remigio councilor Antonio Villamor as its chairman.