The Provincial Government held a naming ceremony and turnover of two fishing vessels to the Zambales Provincial Fisherfolks Association at Sitio Balintabog, Brgy. Amungan in the Capitol town of Iba, Zambales on January 23, 2026.

According to Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., the distribution of the two fishing vessels is part of the Provincial Government’s support for the fishing sector of Zambales. He added that the two fishing vessels were named FV Zambales III and FV Zambales IV.

The program aims to boost and support the association of fisherfolk in the province, including the Zambales Provincial Fisherfolks Association led by Paulo Quitaneg- President, in collaboration with the Zambales Maritime Development Council.

Vice Governor Jaq Khonghun, Board Member (BM) Cecille Felarca-Rafanan, BM Eric Matibag, BM Jury Deloso, BM Reena Mae Collado, BM Nestor Pacheco, BM Carl Eric Rico, Mayor Byron Jones Edquilang, Mayor Arvin Antipolo, and Zambales Police Provincial Office (ZPPO) Provincial Director Police Col. Benjamin P. Ariola were present during the event.

Stoneworks Shipbuilder, led by its CEO Marilyn Ong, made the two fishing vessels.

“Ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Zambales ay patuloy na magsusulong ng mga programang magpapalakas sa kabuhayan ng mga mangingisda at mag-aambag sa pangmatagalang kaunlaran ng sektor ng pangisdaan sa ating lalawigan,” Ebdane said.

The Zambales fishing industry, a vital economic driver along the West Philippine Sea, is undergoing modernization to address declining fish stocks and maritime challenges.

With 69% of the province's fisheries production coming from local, mostly small-scale, municipal fishing, the industry is transitioning with new, larger, and better-equipped vessels, such as the 96-foot harvester boat.

The province has an average annual production of around 12,694 metric tons, with 10 of 11 coastal municipalities actively involved in fishing, particularly for tuna and tuna-like species which make up 50% of the catch.