The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), in partnership with the National Security Council (NSC) and other agencies, hosted the Palawan Fisherfolk Congress in Coron, Palawan, on Thursday.

The event, themed “Kaunlaran at Kapayapaan sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas,” brought together 150 fisherfolk from Linapacan, Culion, Busuanga, and Coron, including members of the Tagbanua indigenous group.

The congress provided a platform for empowering coastal communities with knowledge, resources, and stronger partnerships with government agencies, focusing on peace, security, and sustainable fishing practices in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Nazario C. Briguera, BFAR spokesperson and representative of BFAR Officer-in-Charge Isidro M. Velayo Jr., emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in ensuring fisherfolk access to resources and opportunities.

“Ngayong araw, pinagtitibay natin ang ating pagkakaisa at suporta para sa ating mga mangingisda, na siyang tunay na tagapangalaga ng ating likas na yaman, haligi ng ating ekonomiya, at tagapagtaguyod ng seguridad natin sa pagkain,” Briguera said. (Today, we affirm our solidarity and support for our fishermen, who are the true guardians of our natural resources, pillars of our economy, and advocates of our food security.)

Regional Launch of the LAYAG-WPS Project

A major highlight of the congress was the regional launch of BFAR's LAYAG-WPS Project in the MIMAROPA region. This follows the successful debut of the project in Subic, Zambales, in April 2024, where BFAR turned over 62-foot fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats and a 21-meter steel-hulled ringnet vessel equipped with modern fishing gear to fisherfolk associations in Central Luzon and the Ilocos Region.

The MIMAROPA launch underscored the project’s goals of building fisherfolk capacity, empowering communities, and promoting sustainable practices, highlighting the government's commitment to those who depend on the West Philippine Sea.

Supporting Innovation and Livelihood for Fisherfolk

The congress also introduced BUDYONG, a web-based platform aimed at connecting municipal fisherfolk with BFAR’s National Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (NFARMC). BUDYONG will allow grassroots participation in fisheries policy-making, ensuring that the voices of fisherfolk are represented at the national level.

The event saw several initiatives aimed at supporting coastal communities. The Tagbanua from Barangay Lajala received 24-foot fiberglass fishing boats with accessories and engines to boost their fishing capabilities. Local governments in Linapacan, Culion, Busuanga, and Coron were provided with fishing gear, including hook-and-line units, gill nets, and fish aggregating devices (payao). Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in MIMAROPA distributed cash assistance to fisherfolk.

BFAR Regional Director Mario S. Abrera encouraged beneficiaries to use the support responsibly. “Gamitin nating mabuti ang mga ito, at asahan ninyong ang BFAR ay mananatili sa inyong likod para gabayan ang inyong mga komunidad,” he said. (Let us use these resources wisely, and rest assured that BFAR will always stand behind you to guide your communities.)