San Jose, Occidental Mindoro — The Third Fisherfolk Congress, held on April 2–3, 2025, in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, brought together over 150 municipal fisherfolk from across the province to promote maritime peace, fisherfolk security, and sustainable livelihoods in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
With the theme “Kaunlaran at Kapayapaan sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas,†the two-day inter-agency activity was spearheaded by the National Security Council (NSC) in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the local government of San Jose, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other national agencies, as part of the government’s effort to empower coastal communities at the frontline of WPS protection and development.
The first day featured a capacity-building session led by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which provided fisherfolk with hands-on training in first aid, emergency response at sea, and disaster preparedness. This was followed by a validation process conducted by DSWD for the rollout of financial assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program.
On the second day, fisherfolk received briefings from BFAR, PCG, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other agencies on various programs, maritime security measures, and ongoing government interventions in the West Philippine Sea. A panel discussion and open forum provided space for fisherfolk to engage in dialogue with security agencies and officials, sharing pressing concerns, local challenges, and recommendations aimed at improving their living and working conditions.
Livelihood Support from BFAR
BFAR awarded two 62-footer fishing vessels, each worth 10 million pesos, to fisherfolk associations in San Jose and Paluan, as part of the Bureau’s Capacitating Municipal Fisherfolk Program. The awarding of these vessels is just the beginning, with more fisherfolk in the province to be considered for future support.
In addition, BFAR also provided fishing gear, including multiple hook-and-line sets, to select fisherfolk associations in San Jose, Paluan, and Mamburao. The Bureau is expanding its support for small fisherfolk by committing to provide postharvest interventions, fuel subsidies, and the implementation of policies that cater to their socio-economic needs.
As the Bureau scales up its support to the fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea through the Livelihood Activities to enhance Fisheries Yields and Economic Gains in the WPS or LAYAG-WPS Program, National Director Elizer S. Salilig encouraged the fisherfolk to register and organize themselves into associations and cooperatives.
“Hinihikayat namin ang mga rehistradong mangingisda na bumuo ng kanilang sariling asosasyon o kooperatiba upang maging kwalipikado sa mga programang ibinibigay ng BFAR. Handa po kaming tumulong sa inyo sa proseso ng pag-oorganisa,†said Director Salilig. (We are encouraging our registered fisherfolk to create their own associations or cooperatives so that they can access the full range of livelihood and capacity-building programs offered by BFAR. We are ready to assist you in organizing).
The Bureau also reminded fisherfolk of the importance of complying with fisheries laws and actively supporting the campaign against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Government’s Commitment to the Sector
In his closing remarks, BFAR Spokesperson and Information Chief Nazario C. Briguera affirmed the agency’s dedication to uplifting the lives of fisherfolk:
“Kayo po ay katuwang namin—daluyan lamang ang pamahalaan ng inyong biyaya. Magkaisa tayo, kami po ay magsusumikap bilang mga lingkod bayan para suportahan kayo.†(You are our partners—the agencies are merely channels of your blessings. Let us unite; we, as public servants, will strive to support you).
The Third Fisherfolk Congress reaffirmed the government’s enduring commitment to strengthening the role of municipal fisherfolk as stewards of the nation’s marine wealth, champions of peace, and contributors to the country’s food security and maritime sovereignty.
