Local government leaders who supported Filipino fishers and West Philippine Sea (WPS) frontliners were recognized by the Atin Ito Coalition on Monday in Quezon City as the group called for stronger government action to protect their rights, livelihoods and safety.
The recognition was held as part of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) during a forum in Quezon City co-organized with the Center for Information Resilience and Integrity Studies (CIRIS), with the theme, “West Philippine Sea: Mana Natin: The State and Legacy of Filipino Fishers and Those Who Stand With Them.”
Atin Ito recognized local government leaders and representatives, including those whose local governments passed resolutions declaring July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day.
Awardees included Quezon City Mayor Josefina “Joy” G. Belmonte, QC 1st District Councilor Joseph P. Juico, QC 2nd District Councilor Ally V. Medalla, Pasig City Councilor Paul A. Senogat, Bulacan Provincial Board Member Arthur A. Legazpi, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan Councilor Ronalyn B. Pordan, Zamboanga City Councilor Kim D. Villaflores, and representatives of the local governments of Navotas and Cebu.
Atin Ito co-convenor and Akbayan President Rafaela David said local government support showed that protecting the country’s maritime resources and Filipino fishers was not limited to the national government.
Akbayan Party-list Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismulah, who delivered the keynote speech, called for stronger laws and sustained government support to protect fisherfolk livelihoods, access to traditional fishing grounds and safety at sea.
BFAR Central Office Chief of Administrative Officer Mildred Mercene-Buazon said government support for fisheries in the WPS was vital to sustaining livelihoods and contributing to food security.
She said the government also needed to protect fisheries resources through fisheries management, resource conservation and law enforcement.
BUDGET FOR NATIONAL FISHERIES PROGRAM
For 2027, BFAR has proposed a ₱12.4-billion budget, with ₱10.2 billion earmarked for the National Fisheries Program.
The proposed National Fisheries Program budget includes ₱3.7 billion for fisheries production and distribution, nearly ₱500 million for fishing gear and paraphernalia, and more than ₱500 million for post-harvest handling and facilities.
Around ₱2.2 billion is proposed for fisheries regulation and law enforcement, while ₱580 million will support extension, education and training.
The proposed ₱10.2-billion National Fisheries Program budget for 2027 is ₱200 million, or 2%, higher than the ₱10-billion allocation in the 2026 enacted budget. The 2026 budget also included ₱500 million for the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Program, which supports the integration of farmers’ and fisherfolk products into market value chains.
Ms. Mercene-Buazon also cited continuing livelihood and enterprise support through programs such as Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, with around ₱587 million, and FishCoRe, with about ₱1.8 billion.
She said the investments were focused on improving production, reducing post-harvest losses, strengthening enforcement and creating livelihood opportunities for fishing communities.
She also stressed that BFAR could not address the sector’s challenges alone, saying cooperation among local governments, fisheries organizations, civil society, academe, development partners and other stakeholders was needed.
Atin Ito co-convenor Edicio Dela Torre similarly called for concrete government support for fishers, saying recognition of their role as frontliners should be matched by assistance for their livelihoods and safety at sea.
Atin Ito is a civil society coalition composed of fisherfolk groups, artists, youth, advocates and citizens. Since 2023, it has conducted four civilian-led supply missions to the WPS to provide support to Filipino fishers and advance their Philippine sovereign rights. — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba
