Nearly half of marginal fishers in several Luzon provinces have stopped going out to sea as soaring fuel prices continue to hike the fishing sector, raising concerns over livelihood and potential disruption in food supply.
As stated by the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), about 50% of small-scale Fishers in Cavite, Bataan, Zambales and Pangasinan have suspended operations following the latest round of oil price hikes. This marks a sharp increase from about 30% just a week earlier.
SINAG Executive Director Jasyon Caingeld remarked the continuous rise in fuel prices has made it nearly impossible for many fishers to sustain their operation.
Fuel has reportedly tripled and now accounts for as much as 80% of total work cost.
Those who continue to fish are also struggling, as they cannot afford anymore to travel far into the sea, resulting in small catches of only 5-10 kilograms per trip, far below the sustainable levels.
As for now, fish is still available in the market because commercial fishers continue to supply it. Yet the Expert warns that if small fishers stay out of the sea for a long time, people will have fewer fish and higher prices in the upcoming weeks.
Fuel prices have gone again, marking the 13th straight increase for gasoline and 15th for both diesel and kerosene, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
To help, the Department of Agriculture (DA) stated that they have already begun to give ₱3,000 fuel vouchers to more than 46,000 Municipal fishers nationwide. Also considering a ₱10 per kilogram subsidy for commercial fishers' caught.
Yet, Cainglet commented that the governments’ fuel subsidy is “too small” and many fishermen are having a hard time to meet those requirements just to qualify.
“We're not counting weeks or months—we're counting days. They will suffer if discontinuous without comprehensive and targeted support” he said.
Written by Doreen P. Cabildo, Insight PH
Doreen P. Cabildo, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
