Philippines to boost aid to fishermen with new vessels in WPS —BFAR

The Philippine government will spend P2.5 billion for the procurement of new floating assets to assist fishermen in the West Philippine Sea, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said. 

The move also aims to bolster the Filipinos' presence in the WPS, where tensions have risen over territorial disputes. The government is keen on ensuring the safety and livelihood of Filipino fishermen in the region, the bureau added.

“Para po ito din sa ating mga mangingisda na meron pong platform ang pamahalaan para po mas maipaabot pa sa kanila yung tulong ng pamahalaan at makita nila yung presensya ng pamahalaan doon po sa West Philippine Sea,” Nazario Briguera, BFAR Spokesperson and Head of Information and Fisherfolk Coordinating Unit, said.

(This is a way for the government to aid our fishermen, and make the presence of the Philippines felt in the West Philippine Sea.)

The new assets will include monitoring control and surveillance patrol vessels as well as food boats.

Aside from vessel procurement, BFAR said the government continues its support programs for fishermen in the WPS through various missions.

Last February 5, Briguera said BFAR was able to conduct a successful supply mission to Filipino fishermen at sea.

“Dati kasi, pag nagmimisyon diyan yung ating barko, nakakakita tayo ng mga nasa 30 barko, mga banyagang barko na umaaligid. Pero noong Feb 5, matagumpay, wala tayong namataan na mga banyagang barko ng Tsina at yun nga nakapagbigay tayo ng fuel dun sa mga mangingisda, mga nasa 13 tons yan ng diesel at nagbigay rin tayo ng ready to eat snacks pati yung mga medicines… ang kanilang huli ay umabot sa 12 tons nung mga panahong iyon," the BFAR official said.

(Whenever we conduct our supply mission before, we see some 30 ships seeming to surround us.  But on February 5, we were successful, we did not see any Chinese vessel.  We were able to give fuel to our fishermen, around 13 tons of diesel, some ready to eat snacks, and medicines. Our fishermen's catch reached around 12 tons.)

BFAR also launched the Layag WPS Project, focusing on livelihood activities to enhance fisheries yields and economic gains from the WPS. Livelihood interventions are being expanded, especially in regions facing the WPS, including MIMAROPA, Regions 1, 3, and the National Capital Region.

Currently, 90% of the 385,300 Filipino fisherfolk are receiving support as part of BFAR's regular livelihood assistance.

BFAR has also implemented the National Payaw Program or fish aggregating device aimed at attracting fish to specific areas, reducing fuel consumption, and easing the fishing process for fishermen.

“Hindi na mahirap para sa mga mangingisda na maghanap pa dahil may permanente silang lugar na pupuntahan na kung saan nagtitipon tipon ang mga isda. So mas nakakatipid sila dahil kung wala pong Payaw, kung baga mag-iikot pa sila para maghanap ng isda,” says Briguera.

(This makes it easy for our fishermen to find a fishing spot where the catch congregates. They save on fuel because they don't have to sail far.) —LDF, GMA Integrated News