(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday urged residents of Hagonoy in Davao del Sur to explore the possibility of engaging in aquaculture as their livelihood.
“I’d like to encourage your mayor and municipal officials, if ever you get to have an invitation to go there, punta kayo ng China,” he said as he took part in festivities celebrating the 64th Araw ng Hagonoy at the municipal complex in the municipality.
China accounts for two thirds of the world’s aquaculture production.
Aquaculture refers to the farming of aquatic life, including fish, in enclosures such as ponds, lakes, seas, and even tanks.
President Duterte made the pronouncement after noting what he said were the “destructive” effects of mining.
“Wala akong problema sa minahan except that whether you like it or not, basta may mina, (may destruction)…(When you) extract the ore, or whatever, there’s always the damage (as a result of) contamination,” he said.
He said the only thing that could be done for the environment was “to lessen or mitigate” the effects of such an activity.
“..This is a relatively new province, actually..You have to make your province and municipality competitive..If you want to make it a city, there are certain requirements of income plus population,” he said.
“But more than just standards, you have to have something more..You have to find something more attractive,” he added.
