Proclamation No. 962, s. 2005

MALACANANG Manila.. . .. BY THE..pRESIDENT OF THE PHIUPPINES PROCLAMAnON NO. 962 FISH WEEK 2006 ORNAMENTAL MAY 1 -7, AS DECLARING WHEREAS, the Philippines is an archipelagic country endowed with vast coastal and ocean resources which provide economic and ecological benefits for our'country and people; WHEREAS, around 40 Million Filipinos are directly or indirectly dependent on the livelihood activities from our coastal resources and aquaculture enterprises, which contributes ,4.4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP); WHEREAS, coastal resources have been over-utilized and exploited in recent years rendering it imperative to allow for the regeneration and recuperation of coastal and marine waters; WHEREAS, aquaculture has emerged as the sunrise industry to cushion the impact of over-utilization and exploitation; WHEREAS, one of the identified strategies for counteracting the same is the advocacy of aquaculture both in marine and inland ecosystems; WHEREAS, another identified strategy is the advocacy of the culture of high-value species such as ornamental fish and other finfishes; WHEREAS, the Philippine climate favors the year-round culture of ornamental fish which command a U5$186.4 Million trading industry worldwide, where the Philippines contributes only 3.8% to the total supply; WHEREAS, the total value of retail trade generated by ornamental fishes, including hardware, accessories, and feeds is estimated at U5$7.2 Billion, which would offer vast opportunities for livelihood and other ancillary activities towards the development of the ornamental fish industry; ,, ,; ,"f ' , J -""t ~,'t.'. 2/ WHEREAS, the"Pt1t1ippines has unique advantages in terms of climate, natural resources, strategic location, rare species, labor force, inter alia, to become one of the, major ornamental fish players; NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare May 1 -7, 2006 as Ornamental Fish Week. The Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is hereby designated as the lead agency in the observance of Ornamental Fish Week. Likewise, all other government agencies, all local governments, state colleges and universities, government-owned or controlled corporations, whose operations are directly or indirectly relevant to the development and management of our ocean resources, non-governmental organizations, people's organizations, and the private sector are hereby enjoined to participate and provide the necessary assistance in the observance of Ornamental Fish Week through the conduct of activities that highlight the significance and economic importance of developing the ornamental fish industry at the same time providing for the conservation, protection and sustainable management of coastal and ocean resources. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed. Done in the City of Manila, this 27th day of December year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Five. , in the F ~ By the President: ~-b- EDUARDO R. ERMITA Executive Secretary PQMA Holov,am" 33529