The Fisherfolk Council of Leaders adopted a resolution requesting President Bongbong Marcos to certify House Bill No. 1977, principally authored by KABAYAN Partylist Representative Ron P. Salo, as urgent. This bill aims to establish the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), a pivotal step towards improving the management and sustainable development of the country’s aquatic resources.

The Fisherfolk Council of Leaders, formed through the DA-BFAR’s Fisherfolk Directors Program, is comprised of selected fisherfolk leaders from national and local levels. Each year, in May, coinciding with the celebration of Farmers and Fisherfolk Month, one (1) National Fisherfolk Director and sixteen (16) Regional Fisherfolk Directors are appointed for a month-long term. This symbolic role reversal allows fisherfolk to act as Regional Directors, providing them with an opportunity to influence policy and management directly. The current resolution was adopted at the end of the celebration on May 30, 2024.

Rep. Salo expressed his unwavering commitment in empowering fisherfolk, emphasizing the critical role of the fisheries sector in the country’s economy. As one of the world’s top fish-producing nations, the Philippines ranked eighth globally with a recorded production of 4.26 million metric tons of fish in 2023. “The creation of the DFAR is essential for better management and sustainable development of our aquatic resources. It will significantly improve the livelihoods of our fisherfolk and enhance food security in the Philippines,” said Rep. Salo.

Fisherfolk Regional Representatives highlighted the sector’s challenges, stating, “Despite the sector’s importance, it faces significant challenges, including a progressive decline in fish catch, overfishing, and the degradation of essential marine habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, and algae beds. These challenges necessitate urgent and focused management and conservation efforts.”

The Fisherfolk Regional Representatives also emphasized the need for a dedicated Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to institutionalize science-based methodologies in fisheries management, thereby enhancing productivity, competitiveness, sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness of the sector.

Fisherfolk communities face unique challenges, including inadequate access to resources, limited infrastructure, and insufficient support services. The establishment of the DFAR will prioritize and cater to their needs and development, fostering resilience and sustainable growth within their communities.

The Fisherfolk Council intends to immediately submit their resolution to the President, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, seeking support for the immediate passage of this vital legislative measure.