Fisherfolk and environmental groups warned Monday that declining fish production, rising costs, and shrinking fishing grounds have turned the Philippines’ fisheries crisis into a national food security emergency.
The groups urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address the worsening conditions of coastal communities in his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 27.
“The fisheries crisis is no longer simply an issue affecting coastal communities—it is a national food security emergency,” the groups said in a statement.
“As fish production declines and the cost of living continues to rise, Filipino families are increasingly finding one of their primary sources of affordable protein beyond their reach,” they added.
The warning came during the launch of “AGOS: Ang Kalagayan ng Karagatan, Pangisdaan, at mga Pamayanang Baybayin sa Pilipinas,” a pre-SONA assessment attended by fisherfolk leaders from Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
The groups said higher fuel and electricity prices have raised fishing and transportation costs, reduced the incomes of municipal fisherfolk, and pushed up fish prices.
Coastal communities are also facing declining catches, biodiversity loss, marine pollution, climate impacts, destructive development, and the intrusion of illegal and commercial fishing into municipal waters.
“Our fisherfolk are feeding the nation while they themselves are sinking deeper into poverty. This contradiction exposes the government’s failure to protect those who safeguard our seas and ensure our food security,” the groups said.
They called on the government to provide sustained fuel, equipment, and post-harvest assistance, strengthen domestic fish production, and invest in sustainable fisheries and climate-resilient livelihoods.
The groups also urged Congress to pass the proposed Verde Island Passage bill and House Bill No. 5606, or the Atin ang Kinse bill, which seeks to protect the 15-kilometer municipal fishing zone.
They also called for stronger climate adaptation measures and faster compensation and rehabilitation for communities affected by oil spills.
