Pesca Kita Fishing Competition in Zamboanga City
The Tourism Association of Zamboanga (TAZ) is conducting the first ever Zamboanga City Anglers Competition or fishing competition in this southern port city.
TAZ project coordinator Ricardo San Juan, said the competition, dubbed as “Pesca Kita” (We Fish), is scheduled to be held on Oct. 3 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Paseo del Mar.
San Juan, said the competition aims to promote the fishing sports in this city and to create awareness on the need to conserve Zamboanga City’s rich marine resources.
He said the competition is also aimed to promote the Paseo del Mar as a new and wholesome recreation attraction center.
The Paseo del Mar, Zamboanga City’s version of the Manila Bay Walk Park, was constructed by the local government last year.
The local government has allocated P15.6 million for the construction of the Paseo del Mar, which is located along the shore just at the back of Our Lady of the Pillar Shrine.
San Juan, former Department of Tourism (DOT) regional director, noted that Zamboanga City is known for its rich marine resources, warranting its sardine capital reputation.
He said that despite Zamboanga City’s vast fishing grounds there has not been a single competition here related to fishing as a sports or hobby.
“The project seeks to tap the many fishing aficionados in the area and at the same time creating awareness on the importance of conserving this city’s underwater wealth,” he said.
He said there will be two categories in the competition namely the off-shore and on-shore fishing the area of which will be delineated with buoy markers.
The competition will include the following: biggest fish caught by weight; biggest total catch by weight; and, most number of fish caught.
A special award will be given for the first catch with one winner in both the off-shore and on-shore category.
San Juan said the competition is open to all amateur fishing buffs from seven years old and above.
He said all minors however must be accompanied by their parents or guardian.
The fishing competition will be held in coordination with the office of the city mayor, Southern Philippines Deep Sea Fishing Association, Incorporated (SOPHIL) and Zamboanga City Tourism Press Corps.
San Juan said a registration fee of P150 will be collected from each of the participants and free t-shirt will be given to the first 50 entrants.
The deadline for the submission of the accomplished forms is on Sept. 28.
San Juan said all interested parties may register at Tourismo Insular Leisure and Travel, Garden Orchid Hotel, Grand Astoria Hotel and Zamboanga City Unicon Enterprises. (PNA)
