SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — A total of P1.5 million cash assistance was given to 150 fisherfolk from three towns of Occidental Mindoro by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
During the “Kongreso ng Mangingisda para sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran” or Fisherfolk Congress on April 2 and 3 held in San Jose, each of the said fishers, particularly from the from the municipalities of San Jose, Mamburao and Paluan, received ₱10,000 to help support their families’ essential needs.
This aid was provided under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, which offers financial support for medical needs, transportation, burial expenses, and other basic necessities, said Leona Nova Magracias, AICS focal person of DSWD Occidental Mindoro.
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Director Elizer Salilig acknowledged the dangers faced by fisherfolk, especially those venturing into the encroached areas in the West Philippine Sea.
Salilig cited the June 2019 incident where the fishing boat Gem-Ver was rammed and abandoned by a Chinese vessel. He also mentioned the capsizing of F/V Andrei Sarah in January 2025, which occurred when the boat hit a reef during bad weather, and fortunately rescued all the 37 crew members.
Meanwhile, Magracias highlighted that the cash aid for fisherfolk is comparable to the assistance given to disaster victims, emphasizing that fishermen face similarly high risks in their work.
“Ang 150 mangingisda ay natukoy na kabilang sa mga naapektuhan ng iba’t ibang mga kaganapan sa West Philippine Sea, kaya nagkaloob tayo ng tulong sa kanila,” Magracias said.
(These 150 fishermen have been identified as being affected by incidents in the West Philippine Sea, which is why we are providing assistance.)
One recipient, Domingo Santiago, 40, from Barangay Pawican on Ilin Island, expressed his gratitude, saying that the amount will assist in covering the basic needs and school expenses for his six children who are currently studying at Occidental Mindoro State College.
If any funds remain, Santiago said that he plans to use them to support their small store.
The Fisherfolk Congress was led by the National Security Council, in partnership with BFAR, Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority, DSWD, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Information Agency in Occidental Mindoro. (VND/PIA MIMAROPA–Occidental Mindoro)
