No to Minors on FB’s- SP says…

By PJTremedal, BNDMisOC-CIB/OCM

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of this city is now requesting the nation’s Maritime Authority to prohibit minors in making errands, playing games or join fishing with Fishing Boats (FB’s) in the high seas and even during ducking operations at the Manuel L. Quezon-Oroquieta City Fish Ports whom children at their very small ages seen and allegedly involve in fishing activities, such as carrying load of fish and some are involve in asking fish from the fishing boats or local known as “Mamugsik”.

With SP Resolution No. 2010-08-424, The Sangguniang Panlungsod presided by the City Vice Mayor Harry Guantero passed and approved to request the Maritime Authority to prohibit such presence and activities to protect children.

The Resolution farther stated that minors are seen frequents the city fish port and even reported joining such fishing activities with or without parents consent.

The request is to find remedial and appropriate measures in order to protect them from any danger apart from the fact that the practice is against existing laws.

Adopted, last August 5, 2010 during its regular session upon motion of Hon. Richard Villabert and duly seconded by Hon. Leocadio Digal, said resolution is furnished also to the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Office for consideration.

Oroquieta City is not only an agriculture community but a fishing place. Children of fishing families frequents the city fish port especially when fishing boats docked and met the fishermen whom some of them are their own father, relatives or friends.

But some concern members of the community realized that these activities are disadvantageous to the children especially the minors and are risky for the minors to play, give some errand, or just playing or swimming within the vicinity, or asking some kilos of fish to bring home.

Said reports prompted the City Councilor Villabert to make a move to protect those children or minors, even they are the responsibilities of their own parents, but because of social reasons and responsibility as a local legislator find it is also the responsibility of the government to protect the children.

LGU’s, the Department of Labor and Employment(DOLE), DSWD and even the parents are aware of all laws protecting the rights of children embodied not only with the nation’s laws but with the universal laws of the United Nations where the country is a member.

Meantime, said resolution is now indorse with the office of the city mayor, Hon. Jason P. Almonte for his comments and actions. Oroquieta City is a child-friendly city.