The Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA) greeted the New Year with enthusiasm and vigor!

During the resurgence of the highly seasonal "ipon" last January 13 - 16, the OCA immediately sought the cooperation of the MARINA and PNP Laoag City in monitoring the catching of the prized fish fry.  The OCA's task force on illegal fishing dubbed as "Bantay Baybay" effectively monitored the activities of fishermen in the coastal barangays of Gabu, La Paz, and Caaoacan.

The great demand and high market value of the "ipon", which is very much anticipated by those who know the delicacy most specially ilocanos living in Hawaii, USA, have driven some unscrupulous fishermen / businessmen to employ illegal catching tactics. This is where the task force plays its role, in trying to maintain peace and order, and in protecting the critical ecological balance in the Padsan river.

City Agriculturist Mr. Oscar Recta  assured  Laoagueños that so long as he's the OCA Chief, he will do everything to enforce the laws on fishing.

The task force on illegal fishing, the bantay baybay of the city agriculture office in cooperation with MARINA & PNP laoag, conducted regular monitoring on illegal cacthing of ipon for  last  week, Jan. 13-16 (attached photos)