Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron welcomed delegates from ASEAN member states and partner organizations to the city during the Welcome Dinner for the 34th ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Fisheries, held at Princesa Garden on September 17, 2026.
In his welcome message, Mayor Bayron expressed the city’s pride in hosting the meeting and highlighted the importance of fisheries not only as an industry, but as a vital source of food, livelihood, and hope for coastal communities.
He also underscored Puerto Princesa’s continuing efforts to protect and sustain its marine resources through programs such as Save Puerto Princesa Bays, Bantay Dagat, Clean and Green, and coastal clean-up initiatives.
“Our seas are also our responsibility,” Mayor Bayron emphasized, noting that challenges such as climate change, food security, plastic pollution, illegal fishing, and the sustainable management of marine resources transcend national borders.
The Mayor stressed the importance of ASEAN cooperation in addressing these shared challenges through the exchange of knowledge, experiences, technology, and best practices, while promoting sustainable livelihoods for fisherfolk.
“We hope this meeting will strengthen not only our cooperation, but also the friendship and partnership among the ASEAN nations,” Mayor Bayron said.
The City Government of Puerto Princesa extended its warm welcome to all delegates and wished them a meaningful and enjoyable stay in the city.
