Philippines is now working its strategy to use the Palau and PNG as new fishing grounds. The government of Philippines is scheduled to negotiate for fishing access agreements with Palau Island and Papua New Guinea this month. According to Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Director Malcolm I. Sarmiento Jr. the move was necessary in view of the fallout in the negotiations with the Indonesia for access to its fishing grounds.
The decision of the government is right and correct in the interest of the state, says Sarmiento Jr. He added that with Indonesia, we will try to do another round of talks this month but he is not putting so much hope anymore in the renegotiation. It is also informed that the Philippine government is considering other fishing areas, including Palau Island and Papua New Guinea.
Sarmiento opined that the government is eyeing for a joint venture-type of deal that will allow certain number of Philippine fishing vessels to operate in Palau. At the same time, Sarmiento is urging private sector operators especially those in the canneries and fisheries business to consider investing in Palau.
It is observed that from 2007, the government, through the Department of Agriculture (DA), has been looking for new fishing grounds in other countries and territories. Experts said that the government is looking for options if loss happen in near future in the fishing industry. The DA is also working on an access agreement with the Solomon Islands, Micronesia and Kiribati.
