During the hearing, one of the problems raised by fishermen is that they cannot use the boats being provided by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
A REPRESENTATIVE echoed the pleas by a federation of fisherfolk and other members of the fishing sector and industry for a presidential intervention to stop rising fuel costs from crippling fish production, disrupting fish supply, and threatening the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos.
“This fishery crisis requires swift and decisive national action,” said Rep. Nathan Oducado of the 1Tahanan Party List. “Real-time data shows significant disruptions in fishing operations across Region XII and beyond.”
According to the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII) based in General Santos, 34% of tuna fleet operations have already been suspended, while many handline vessels have ceased operations due to unsustainable fuel costs.
Oducado noted that these disruptions have led to a sharp decline in fish supply, particularly in critical landing hubs that support the national market.
“Help us keep the boats running, help us keep fish affordable, and help us protect the livelihoods of those who feed the nation,’” appealed SFFAII President Kenrick Teng.
Oducado expressed strong support for the interventions proposed by SFFAII, describing them as necessary to stabilize the sector and prevent further collapse.
“We support the call for a ₱15 per kilo unloading support and a ₱20 per liter fuel subsidy, which the position paper correctly identifies as emergency stabilization measures,” Oducado stated.
Oducado warned that delays in government response would only worsen the situation and accelerate its national impact.
“Every day without intervention means more boats stopping, declining supply, and more livelihoods lost across the fisheries value chain,” he cautioned. “Every day, we are growing closer to a food crisis.”
“The 63.6% drop in fish unloadings in General Santos City is a clear warning sign of tightening supply that will inevitably affect food prices and availability,” said Oducado.
The lawmaker stressed that the crisis extends far beyond the fishing industry, with wide-ranging implications for workers, families, and consumers nationwide.
“The Federation’s position paper shows that over 68,000 fishers, 279,000 workers, and as many as 9.8 million Filipinos are at risk in terms of livelihoods and food security,” Oducado pointed out.
Oducado underscored that soaring and volatile fuel prices remain the primary driver of the crisis, severely limiting the ability of operators to sustain fishing activities.
“With fuel prices reaching as high as ₱166 per liter and comprising up to 85% of operating costs, the sector is operating under extreme pressure,” he said.
