Manila: In response to the deepening crisis in the fisheries sector, Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao, along with Akbayan Partylist Reps. Chel Diokno, Perci Cenda±a, and Dadah Ismula, and Albay 1st District Representative Krisel Lagman, filed a set of landmark bills aimed at securing the rights, livelihoods, and future of Filipino fisherfolk.
According to Philippines News Agency, despite the Philippines being an archipelago, the fisheries sector contributes only 1.3 percent to 1.5 percent of the national gross domestic product (GDP), while fisherfolk suffer the highest poverty incidence at 30.6 percent amid the threats of resource depletion, climate change, and displacement. To address these systemic challenges, the lawmakers introduced three key measures.
One of them is the Bantay-Dagat, Yaman-Lokal Act (House Bill No. 9043), which strengthens local government authority over municipal waters. The measure affirms the exclusive jurisdiction of local government units over the 15-kilometer municipal waters, creates a dedicated Municipal Fisheries Sustainability Fund, and grants local government units (LGUs) the power to reject environmentally harmful projects such as reclamation and dredging.
Meanwhile, the Batas Alon or Security of Tenure for Fisherfolk and Fishworkers Act (House Bill No. 9044) seeks to end labor exploitation in the fishing industry. The bill corrects the long-standing misclassification of fisherfolk as 'independent contractors,' ensuring their recognition as regular employees entitled to minimum wage, maritime hazard pay, and full social protection, including SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. It also guarantees income security even during 'zero catch' periods and opens access to formal credit through recognized employment contracts.
Lastly, the Kasaganaan sa Baybayan Act (House Bill No. 9046) aims to secure fisherfolk settlements and protect coastal communities from forced displacement. The bill mandates the establishment of Fisherfolk Settlement Areas (FSAs) with direct access to fishing grounds, prohibits arbitrary eviction without due process, and ensures just compensation and livelihood support in cases of relocation. It also integrates climate-resilient housing and imposes a national moratorium on forced relocation, except in declared danger zones.
'These are not just policy proposals, they are a call for social justice,' Diokno emphasized. 'The Constitution is clear: the State must protect the rights of subsistence fisherfolk. It is time we give full meaning to that mandate.' The Akbayan Reform Bloc called on their colleagues and the public to support the urgent passage of these measures, underscoring that genuine national development must include those at the frontlines of food production.
