Millions of small-scale fishers depend on municipal waters. Therefore, the controversy over whether commercial fishing vessels should be allowed is more than a policy issue. The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) and the University of the Philippine Visayas support the law prohibiting commercial fishing in municipal waterways. While protecting local fisherfolk, this role also protects maritime habitats, food security, and social justice. With rising evidence of overfishing and municipal fishers’ challenges, we must back the appeal of UPV and ISUFST, two universities with the top fisheries programs in the country, to keep commercial fishing vessels out of these vulnerable waterways.

Lagon, H. M. (2025, March 27). Justice for small fishers, 1. Panay News, p. 8.