Permanent structure on Benham Rise could lead to bonanza for PHL fisherfolk

The Philippine government is planning to build permanent infrastructure on Benham Rise, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said on Friday, which could lead to a bonanza for local fisherfolk.

In a report by Chino Gaston on "24 Oras," Piñol said the facility could serve as a research base, weather station, and fishing port.

"Anong purpose ng building? Number one, it will serve as a research facility. Maglalagay kami ng mga siyentista na siyang mananaliksik kung anong meron sa Benhan Rise. Number two, pwedeng magsilbi na forward station ng ating weather bureau," Piñol said.

"Number three...pwedeng dauhan ng Pilipinong mangingisda," he added.

Benham Rise is potentially a resource-rich area located northeast of the Philippines. Currently, only fishermen with larger ships are able to fish there.

The waters are rich with fish, including the Pacific Blue Fin Tuna, which are highly sought by dealers and restaurants, the report said.

"Merong nakahuli ng 240 kilos, ganon. Sa bigat pa lang niya, halos mapuputol na ang gamit," a fisherman said.

During the latest expedition by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), they checked what kinds of fish can be caught in Benham Rise.

They also gave fishermen some boats and equipment to be able to go there.

Another mission was to install a fish aggragator device to draw in fish.

Recently, a research ship from China was spotted passing Benham Rise.

The government has stressed that the Philippines has indisputable and sovereign right over the area, and the Philippine Navy has since included the island in its patrols. —Jessica Bartolome/JST, GMA News