A group of fishermen has expressed support for a House resolution calling for an investigation into the socioeconomic impact of the two-month closed fishing season in Batangas, saying the policy is weighing heavily on small fishermen and local fish supplies.
In a statement on Friday, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) welcomed House Resolution No. 525 filed by the Makabayan Bloc, which urges the House Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources to investigate legislation to assist in the seasonal closure of Batangas waters and to consider immediate economic relief for the affected communities.
The proposal was made by Alliance of Concerned Teachers party-list representative Antonio L. Tinio, Gabriela Women's Party representative Sara Jane Alago and Kabataan party-list representative Renee Louise M. Co.
“We welcome the move of the Makabayan bloc in Congress to investigate the serious impact of the two-month closed fishing season on fisheries and local fish supplies in Batangas province,” Pamalkaya Vice Chairperson Ronnel Arambulo said in Filipino.
Mr Arambulo said that while the group recognizes the need for seasonal fishing to help replenish fish stocks, it does not fully address what it considers the main causes of fish depletion, such as the “systematic destruction” of marine resources caused by large-scale projects and the continued operation of commercial fishing vessels.
“Ultimately, it is the small fishermen who suffer because commercial fishing boats have the capacity to go beyond municipal waters during the closed season,” he said.
Pamalkaya urged relevant government agencies, including the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, to reconsider Batangas' closed fishing season, saying it would have a “detrimental impact” on thousands of fishermen and could affect local fish supplies.
The group estimates that more than 15,000 fishermen in at least nine coastal towns in Balayan Bay alone will be affected by the seasonal closure. This includes an estimated 5,000 fishermen in Calatagan, 3,000 in Lemery and 2,200 in Mabini.
Annual closed fishing seasons in major fishing grounds across the country are enforced under Republic Act No. 8550 or the Fisheries Code of 1998 for conservation and ecological purposes.
Pamalkaya said he hoped the proposed House investigation would lead to policy adjustments that would protect marine resources and provide adequate social and economic protection for small-scale fishermen.
Meanwhile, a House bill filed in October is seeking to provide income support and social security for fishermen affected by the fishing ban.
House Bill No. 5555 proposes the creation of the Tulong Pangkabuhayan Para sa mga Mangingisada Program, which will increase the income of fishermen during closed fishing seasons, disasters, and lean or typhoon season.
Under this measure, eligible beneficiaries will receive livelihood, financial, medical and other social protection assistance as well as vouchers worth at least P3,000 per month.
Bill, introduced by Quezon 4th District representative Keith Mika DL Tan has been with the Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources Committee since November 11. , Von Andrei E. Villamiel
