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DOST chief urges for more research on fishery resources, Benham Rise

Wednesday, May 10, 2017 05:24 AM    Views : 720by:Rodolfo P. de Guzman, S&T Media Service

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peņa asked researchers to do more scientific studies on high potential fishery resources like seaweeds and Benham Rise, also known as the Benham Plateau.

Speaking before 300 delegates composed of scientists, academicians, researchers and various industry stakeholders, Sec. de la Peņa said, "The Department of Science and Technology is focusing on strengthening research and development initiatives in various fields including the fisheries sector because this will provide more opportunities for our marginalized fishermen in the regions and will help them uplift their economic condition."

The Secretary emphasized, in particular, the importance of Benham Rise in the present administration's thrust of reducing economic inequality through creation of more income opportunities coming from marine resources. In fact, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the country ranked 8th among the top fish producers in the world in 2016, with Central Visayas at the forefront.

Benham Rise is a seismically active undersea region estimated to cover an area of about 13 million hectares located east of Luzon and is 35 meters underwater with the shallowest point located off the provinces of Aurora and Isabela.

In April 2012, the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea already recognized and officially approved the Philippines' claim on Benham Rise as part of its continental shelf and territory.

Based on initial studies Benham Rise is rich in mineral, oil and gas deposits like solidified methane that could help the country achieve self sufficiency in energy.

Sharing DOST's thrust on R&D is Bohol 2nd District Representative Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, chair of the Science and Technology Committee in the Lower House.

"I fully recognize the importance of science and technology in developing our economy and I am supporting R&D activities particularly of the DOST in the fisheries sector as these will open doors to more opportunities without compromising the future," said Rep. Aumentado.

The congressman also called for stronger cooperation of different sectors of society government, the private sector, and the academe.

Sec. de la Peņa  and Rep. Aumentado were speakers  at the Visayas Regional Scientific Meeting (RSM) held this April in Cebu City.

Rep. Aumentado expressed his support for the regional scientific meetings as a means to share ideas in creating income opportunities in the provinces. Said meetings also address R&D initiatives in protecting the environment by through science and technology, he said.

"We can only do this with the free exchange of ideas and to follow one path for sustainable development," he added.  (Rodolfo P. de Guzman, S&T Media Service)

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