BACOOR CITY, CAVITE - has successfully completed the National Validation for the Department of the Interior and Local Government - Fisheries Compliance Audit (DILG-FishCA), a rigorous assessment that highlights the city's high level of governance, protection, and strict adherence to laws concerning fisheries and coastal resource management, specifically for Bacoor Bay.
Evaluating Agencies and Key Partners
The National Validation was conducted by a multi-agency team composed of representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Central Office and Region 4A, the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Central Office, the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and the Manila Bay Coordinating Office (DENR-MBCO), as well as international conservation organizations OCEANA and RARE Philippines . This collaborative effort reflects the comprehensive nature of the audit, which evaluates compliance with Republic Act No. 8550, the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended by Republic Act No. 10654.
The audit process involves a thorough table-top assessment followed by onsite inspections, during which officials from participating agencies engage directly with local government authorities to evaluate the enforcement of fisheries policies, identify gaps, and develop strategies for strengthening fisheries management . Key areas of focus include the implementation of regulations against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, the establishment and management of marine protected areas, enforcement of closed seasons, and adoption of sustainable aquaculture practices.
Leadership and Local Government Support
The success of the validation was made possible through the leadership of Mayor Strike B. Revilla and Vice Mayor Rowena Bautista Mendiola, along with the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council). The initiative was primarily led by the Office of the Agricultural Services - Bacoor, under Department Head Mr. Allan G. Chua and Joshua Villaluz of the Fisheries Section, together with the Bantay Dagat (Sea Patrol) and the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC). Collaborative support was also provided by the City Planning and Development Coordinating Office, the City Environment Services Department, and the City Information and Communication Department.
This validation builds on Bacoor City's track record of excellence in fisheries compliance. In 2025, the city earned a perfect 100% rating in the Fisheries Compliance Audit, achieving the highest possible score among coastal LGUs in CALABARZON . Mayor Strike Revilla commended all departments and partners for their unified effort in protecting marine resources and ensuring Bacoor's continued compliance with national environmental laws . The city was also recognized as the Overall Regional Champion for the 2024 Fisheries Compliance Audit, receiving a Silver Award and an 85% compliance rating.
