Ang Pahayagan

ZAMBALES — Fisherfolk in Zambales are grappling with soaring fuel prices, compelling many to extend their fishing expeditions in the West Philippine Sea despite increasing risks and operational challenges.

Local fishers recently loaded up to eight gallons of gasoline for their service boats in preparation for a week-long fishing trip. However, the cost of fuel has surged significantly, with 30-liter containers rising by 60 percent—from P1,650 to P2,850—following successive oil price hikes.

The steep increase in fuel prices has drastically raised production costs, forcing fishers to remain longer at sea in an effort to maximize their catch and offset expenses. This comes even as they continue to face threats from foreign incursions in traditional fishing grounds.

The fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) reported that a majority of small-scale fishers have yet to receive fuel subsidies and financial assistance from the government.

According to the group, only around 40,000 to 45,000 farmers and fisherfolk are expected to benefit from fuel subsidies to be distributed by the Department of Agriculture after Holy Week.

PAMALAKAYA criticized what it described as inadequate government response to the crisis.

“Na para bang walang malubhang krisis na dinaranas ang mga mamamayan. Wala kaming nararamdamang kahandaan at konkretong aksyon mula sa pamahalaan. Mag-iisang buwan nang walang-tigil ang malakihang taas-presyo ng produktong petrolyo, pero nananatiling mailap ang ayuda at suporta ng pamahalaan para sa mga bulnerableng sektor katulad ng mga mangingisda,” said Fernando Hicap, PAMALAKAYA National Chairperson, in a statement.

The group continues to call for immediate and substantial assistance to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs on the country’s fishing sector.

📸 Zambales fishermen from Calapandayan, Subic load gallons of gasoline to their service boats in preparation of a one-week fishing expedition in the West Philippine Sea. (Pamalakaya)