(from left to right) PIA NCR Regional Director Emver P. Cortez, DA Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols A. Manalo, DA Assistant Secretary for Finance Telma Tolentino, DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, BFAR Spokesperson Nazario C. Briguera, and NFA Acting Administrator Larry D. Lacson lead the conduct of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas featuring the programs of the national government towards the advancement of food security. (Photo Courtesy: Juan Carlo Ruff/PIA CPSD)
MANILA (PIA) — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Tuesday, downplayed the impact of China’s recently implemented “no trespass” policy in the West Philippine Sea on fisheries production.
“China’s declaration will not affect [the Philippines’ fish] production because we don’t recognize it,” said BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera during the fourth edition of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum held at the National Food Authority Headquarters in Quezon City.
While acknowledging the West Philippine Sea–or the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ)–contributes 6-7 percent to the national fisheries sector, Briguera emphasized the Philippines’ continued right to fish in the area.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported an increase in Filipino fishing boats in the disputed Scarborough Shoal despite the Chinese policy. No arrests of Filipino fisherfolks have been reported so far, according to Briguera.
“If arrests happen, it would be a provocation and a violation of international law, particularly UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” Briguera warned.
China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, a key shipping lane vital to global trade. These claims overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Beijing unilaterally implemented a regulation on June 15th authorizing its coast guard to detain foreign vessels deemed to be “trespassing.” The Philippines, along with other Southeast Asian nations, however, rejects this unilateral policy.
A 2016 international arbitration tribunal ruling in The Hague, however, invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, a decision China refuses to recognize.
The Philippines maintains its right to fish in its exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.
It can be recalled that under the Marcos administration in 2023, the Philippines has achieved a significant milestone in its fisheries sector, recording a four-year high in fish catch within the West Philippine Sea during the previous year.
Despite ongoing tensions with China in the disputed maritime region, the country’s dedication to supporting its fishing communities has paid dividends, as evidenced by the remarkable increase in fisheries output.
According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), as reported by BFAR, the nation’s fisheries output in the WPS reached an impressive 201,894.49 metric tons in 2023. This figure represents a substantial 15 percent increase compared to the 175,784.73 metric tons recorded in 2022, demonstrating the government’s commitment to bolstering the fishing industry.
The BFAR attributed this achievement to the improved state support provided to fishermen operating in the region.
The fisheries output in the WPS encompasses the combined fish catch from both commercial and municipal marine fishing sub sectors across eight provinces: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan in Region 1; Bataan and Zambales in Region 3; and Occidental Mindoro and Palawan in Region 4B.
Moreover, despite the ongoing territorial disputes with China in the region, the Marcos administration has remained steadfast in its efforts to safeguard the livelihood of its fishing communities.
By providing enhanced support and resources, the authorities have empowered fishermen to operate more efficiently and sustainably within the country’s EEZ.
This achievement not only underscores the resilience of the Philippine fishing industry but also highlights the government’s commitment to promoting food security, economic growth, and the well-being of coastal communities.
Also, the increased fisheries output serves as a testament to the nation’s determination to assert its sovereign rights while simultaneously ensuring the sustainable management of its marine resources for future generations.
The fourth edition of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum in Metro Manila is a project of the Presidential Communications Office and the Philippine Information Agency-National Capital Region. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
