By Jumalynne V. Doctolero | November 17, 2025

QUEZON CITY (PIA) — Filipino fishers on the frontlines of maritime challenges in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) shared their experiences and concerns during the “Kongreso ng Mangingisda para sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran” (Fisherfolk Congress for Peace and Progress), organized by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), National Security Council, National Maritime Center, and the U.S. Embassy Manila’s Fish Right Program.

In an open dialogue in Makati City, Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate, representing BFAR, said, “The government remains committed to ensuring their safety and to protecting our marine resources from illegal incursions.”

The Makati event gathered more than 200 fisherfolk from coastal municipalities bordering the western Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for open dialogue with government officials on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, maritime security, and safety. 

Participants recounted increasing incidents of harassment and intimidation of Chinese maritime militia vessels and called for stronger protection and coordinated response mechanisms.

“The stories we heard today underscore the courage and resilience of Filipino fisherfolk who continue to uphold their right to fish in Philippine waters,” said Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate, representing BFAR. 

Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Secretary Andres Centino reaffirmed this commitment, emphasizing that the government’s maritime security initiatives are being strengthened through inter-agency cooperation and international partnerships. “This Fisherfolk Congress demonstrates that the Philippine government and the United States are working together to ensure that our coastal communities are protected, supported, and resilient,” Secretary Centino said.

As part of the event, the U.S. government delivered 20 long-range radios worth over ₱6.4 million ($110,000) to the National Maritime Center (NMC) and fisherfolk associations. Fish Right Program Manager Elin Torell and Chief of Party Nygiel Armada formally turned over the radios to NMC Director Vice Admiral Roy Echeverria, underscoring the United States’ continued support for safer seas and stronger communities.

The radios will expand sea-to-shore communications in key coastal areas of the western Philippines’ EEZ, enabling faster reporting and response to maritime threats. This initiative forms part of the broader Fish Right Program, which works with local governments and fisher associations in Palawan and Zambales to establish community-based reporting networks that connect directly with provincial Anti-IUU Fishing task forces, the Philippine Coast Guard, National Maritime Center and other law enforcement agencies.

The Fisherfolk Congress also featured a one-stop government services caravan, where agencies provided at-sea safety training, livelihood assistance, and enrolment in national social protection programs.

The United States and the Philippines share an ironclad alliance built on mutual respect, shared prosperity, and a steadfast commitment to maritime security. Through initiatives such as the Fish Right Program, both nations continue to expand cooperation to safeguard fisherfolk, protect marine resources, and uphold international law in the West Philippine Sea. (JVD/PIA-NCR)