LINAMON, Lanao de Norte (MindaNews / 22 Jan) – The winner of the First Linamon Offshore National Sports Fishing Tournament on Wednesday said he was impressed by the municipality’s rich marine environment.
Vince Sia and his 11-kilo black scabbardfish (locally known as “barla”). Sia won the First Linamon Offshore National Sports Fishing Tournament in Lanao del Norte on Wednesday (22 January 2020). MindaNews photo by RICHEL V. UMEL
“The marine environment here is rich and clean. There was even a whale shark that approached us as we were fishing,” said Vince Sia, 31, who caught an 11-kilo black scabbardfish (locally known as “barla”).
“Hopefully, nobody touch and ruin the coral reefs as these serve as sanctuary for the fish,” he added.
Mayor Randy J. Macapil said that to help protect the town’s marine resources, they have prohibited throwing of garbage in the coastal areas. Furthermore, he said the municipality will soon be banning single use plastics, noting that many of these end up in the sea.
Sia, of neighboring Iligan City, was among 120 participants from all over the country who joined the tournament. Participants came from as far as Bohol, Cebu, Davao, Dipolog, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, according to Jam Alonto, tournament organizer.
“This is my first time to join a national sports fishing competition, having embraced the hobby only October last year,” said Sia.
Linamon celebrates its 60th founding anniversary on Thursday (January 23).
Aside from the fishing tournament, Linamon is known for its “hudyaka sa lubi” (coconut festival), showcasing a street dancing competition. (Richel V. Umel / MindaNews)
