New Panay Mayor Vows to Protect ‘Diwal’ Species

By Felipe V. Celino

PANAY, Capiz – Newly assumed Mayor Jonathan “Sonny” Besa has vowed to protect the local diwal (angel wings shellfish) from indiscriminate harvesting in the coastal town of Panay.

Besa issued Executive Order No. 1 dated July 4, 2025, strictly prohibiting the harvest, gathering or collection of diwal within the municipal waters and coastal areas of Panay, regardless of method, quantity or purpose, until formal regulations are adopted.

In his inaugural speech upon assuming office on June 30, Besa said he would immediately act to address unregulated diwal harvesting by issuing an executive order.

Diwal is a valuable marine resource endemic to certain coastal areas of Panay and has long been a source of livelihood and pride for local communities.

Reports noted increasing concern over indiscriminate and unregulated diwal harvesting, which poses serious threats to the shellfish population, marine ecosystem balance, and the long-term viability of local fishermen’s livelihoods.

Besa stressed the urgent need to regulate the harvest to prevent overexploitation and to ensure conservation until a formal fisheries ordinance can be enacted.

He directed the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, in coordination with the Provincial Agriculturist Office, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial and Municipal Bantay Dagat, and other concerned agencies, to enforce the executive order.

Meanwhile, the mayor also announced the creation of a Local Housing Inter-Agency Committee (LHIAC) to resolve issues related to a government housing project in Panay.

In recent months, several residents raised concerns that some housing units in the Pabahay area remained unoccupied yet were already awarded to families who reportedly own existing homes.

Besa said the committee is expected to resolve the issue fairly and transparently.

“I will not run after those behind this,” he said.

“I want equity, justice and fairness in my area of responsibility.”

Besa is a former provincial board member representing the First District of Capiz.

He defeated re-electionist Mayor Vicente Bermejo by about 4,000 votes in the most recent election.