Ensuring the management of local fishery resources in accordance with national laws, DILG Region 3 conducted the 2024 Fisheries Compliance Audit to 18 coastal local government units across the region from May 21 to 31.

Together with the Regional Validation Team, composed of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Politics (PPCRP), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Region 3, led the conduct of a two-phase assessment: table validation and on-site inspection of post-harvest facilities.

Now on its 4th year of implementation, the Fisheries Compliance Audit measures the level of compliance of LGUs to the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (Republic Act 8550 as amended by Republic Act 10654) using an audit tool that looks at the existence of comprehensive local fisheries code, Coastal Resource Management Plans and implementation of programs, projects and activities relating to the efficient management of coastal resources. The said tool is also calibrated regularly to ensure that pertinent provisions of RA 8550 are continuously complied with by the LGUs.

DILG Region 3 supports its LGUs in the management of their municipal waters through continuous capacity building activities evidenced by the overall increased compliance of Central Luzon LGUs to the 2024 FishCA. With the region's stellar track record of LGUs awarded as national top-performers to the National FishCA Awards, DILG Region 3 maintains a positive outlook in contributing to the achievement of the national government's goal of efficient biodiversity conservation and fisheries resource management.

Results of the audit, including the regional passers and national nominees to the FishCA Awards, shall be communicated to the concerned LGUs later in June.