Manila, Feb. 18 -- The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform on Wednesday discussed proposals seeking to restore and strengthen the 15-km. municipal waters reserved for small fishers.

The public hearing, led by Senator Francis Pangilinan, discussed the proposed creation of a Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), amendments to the Philippine Fisheries Code, fuel subsidies, and incentives for Bantay Dagat volunteers.

"Kaya ang pagdinig na ito ay para sa kanila... nakikipagpatintero pa sa mga Chinese Coast Guard at sariling commercial fishing vessels (This hearing is for them - the small fishers facing storms, rising fuel costs, and bigger vessels)," Pangilinan said.

The hearing comes amid efforts to re...