“LAYAG sa WPS, LAYAG para sa Mangingisdang Filipino.”

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), in partnership with the National Security Council (NSC) and other key agencies, spearheaded the Palawan Fisherfolk Congress with the theme “Kaunlaran at Kapayapaan sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas” on November 28, 2024, in Coron, Palawan.

The congress, which gathered 150 fisherfolk from Linapacan, Culion, Busuanga, and Coron, including members of the indigenous peoples, Tagbanua, served as a vital platform to empower coastal communities with knowledge, resources, and strengthened partnerships with government agencies, in the pursuit of peace, security, and sustainable fishing practices in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Nazario C. Briguera, BFAR Spokesperson and representative of BFAR Officer-in-Charge Isidro M. Velayo, Jr., underscored the inter-agency collaboration in ensuring fisherfolk’s access to resources and opportunities.

“Ngayong araw, pinagtitibay natin ang ating pagkakaisa at suporta para sa ating mga mangingisda, na siyang tunay na tagapangalaga ng ating likas na yaman, haligi ng ating ekonomiya, at tagapagtaguyod ng seguridad natin sa pagkain,” Briguera emphasized. (Today, we affirm our solidarity and support for our fishermen, who are the true guardians of our natural resources, pillars of our economy, and advocates of our food security).

Regional Launch of the LAYAG-WPS Project

A major highlight of the congress was the ceremonial regional launch and presentation of BFAR’s LAYAG-WPS Project in the MIMAROPA region.

This follows the successful maiden voyage of the LAYAG-WPS in Subic, Zambales, in April 2024, where the Bureau turned over 62-footer Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boats and a 21-meter steel-hulled ringnet vessel equipped with modernized fishing gear to selected fisherfolk associations from Central Luzon and the Ilocos Region.

The MIMAROPA launch reinforced the project’s goals of enhancing fisherfolk capacity, empowering communities, and promoting sustainable practices, underscoring the government’s commitment to those who rely on the West Philippine Sea.

Empowering Fisherfolk Through Innovation and Livelihood Support

The congress introduced BUDYONG, a web-based platform designed to connect municipal fisherfolk with the BFAR National Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (NFARMC). By enabling grassroots participation in fisheries policy-making, BUDYONG ensures that the voices of fisherfolk are heard at the national level.

The event also saw significant support for coastal communities. The Tagbanua from Barangay Lajala received 24-foot fiberglass fishing boats with accessories and engines, enhancing their fishing capabilities. Local governments from Linapacan, Culion, Busuanga, and Coron were provided with fishing inputs such as hook-and-line units, gill nets, and fish aggregating devices (payao). Complementing these efforts, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in MIMAROPA distributed cash assistance to fisherfolk.

BFAR Regional Director Mario S. Abrera encouraged beneficiaries to maximize the livelihood awards responsibly. “Gamitin nating mabuti ang mga ito, at asahan ninyong ang BFAR ay mananatili sa inyong likod para gabayan ang inyong mga komunidad,” he said. (Let us use these resources wisely, and rest assured that BFAR will always stand behind you to guide your communities).

Insights and Community Collaboration
Key presentations during the event fostered dialogue and collaboration among fisherfolk and stakeholders.

The AFP Western Command (WESCOM) delivered a situational briefing and an awareness-building presentation, explaining the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling. Their “Mulat” Communication Plan, which emphasizes the campaign “Alamin, Ipaglaban, at Suportahan” (Know, Defend, and Support), stressed the importance of public engagement in promoting maritime security and sovereignty.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) showed their rescue operations for fisherfolk in Palawan and recent apprehensions of illegal fishing activities, reinforcing their role in ensuring safety and compliance in Philippine waters.

Assistant Director General Jonathan E. Malaya of the National Security Council, facilitated the open forum. “Ang pagkakaroon ng maritime security ay kaugnay sa hangarin natin ng pagkakaroon ng seguridad sa pagkain, seguridad sa kalikasan, at sa kabuuan, ang seguridad sa ekonomiya at pambansang seguridad,” he said, emphasizing the intertwined nature of maritime security and national stability. (The attainment of maritime security is connected to our goal of achieving food security, environmental security, and, ultimately, economic security and national security).

A Unified Commitment to Peace and Prosperity

The Palawan Fisherfolk Congress concluded with messages of unity and empowerment, reaffirming the government’s dedication to fostering sustainable fisheries, ensuring maritime peace, and driving economic growth in coastal communities.

BFAR, alongside its partners, remains steadfast in its mission to uplift the lives of Filipino fisherfolk while safeguarding the nation’s marine resources. ###