The Third Fisherfolk Congress, held in early April in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, brought together over 150 municipal fisherfolk from across the province to promote maritime peace, fisherfolk security, and sustainable livelihoods in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). With the theme “Kaunlaran at Kapayapaan sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas,” the two-day interagency activity was spearheaded by the National Security Council (NSC) in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the local government of San Jose, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other national agencies, as part of the government’s effort to empower coastal communities at the frontline of WPS protection and development. The first day featured a capacity-building session led by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which provided fisherfolk with hands-on training in first aid, emergency response at sea, and disaster preparedness. This was followed by a validation process conducted by DSWD for the rollout of financial assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program.

Fisherfolk Congress highlights security, peace, livelihood in WPS. (2025, April 5). Business Mirror, p. A3.