SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — The National Security Council (NSC) encourages fisherfolk to actively participate in monitoring the seas, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, for maritime safety.
During the Kongreso ng Mangingisda para sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran or Fisherfolk Congress held in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on April 2–3, 2025, NSC Director Romeo Racadio emphasized that everyone has a role in ensuring the safety of our waters.
“Ang seguridad ng ating karagatan ay hindi lamang isyu ng mga mangingisda na katulad natin. Ito ay isyu ng buong bansa,” he said.
(The safety of our seas is not just an issue concerning the fisherfolk, like us. It is a national issue.)
He emphasized during the forum that fisherfolk’s cooperation in the government’s programs, particularly to become part of the monitoring system, is vital in keeping the seas safe.
“Marami na tayong inisyatibo para mapalakas natin ang…security blanket…with that, tataas ang level ng confidence ng ating mga mangingisda,” Racadio said.
(We have many initiatives to strengthen our security blanket. With that, the confidence of our fisherfolk will increase.)
On the other hand, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) MIMAROPA Regional Director Roberto Abrera reiterated the fisherfolk’s responsibility to report regularly to the BFAR Provincial Office of their catch after every fishing venture.
“Kailangan natin [iyang ulat] para masabi natin na sapat pa pala yung isda natin sa Pilipinas kasi kung kulang tayo sa isda, magi-import tayo. Kaya napaka importante ang papel ninyo,” he said.
(We need that report to determine if our country’s fish supply is still sufficient, because if we lack fish, we will import. That’s why your role [as fisherfolk] is very important)
To empower fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea, BFAR launched the Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yields and Economic Gains from the West Philippine Sea (LAYAG WPS).
