BFAR urges fishermen to increase presence in West Philippine Sea

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is urging Filipino fishermen to increase their presence in the West Philippine Sea, which produces about 7% of the country's fisheries output annually.

BFAR director Eduardo Gongona emphasized that the area is a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos and should be protected from illegal activities.

Despite recent tensions with China over territorial waters, BFAR encourages fishers to continue their operations in the WPS with government support.