A group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives has filed a set of measures aimed at addressing long-standing challenges in the country’s fisheries sector, seeking to strengthen protections for fisherfolk while improving their livelihoods and access to coastal resources.
The proposals come amid worsening conditions in coastal communities, where declining fish catch, environmental pressures, and economic vulnerability continue to affect families who depend on the sea for survival.
Among the authors are Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, Akbayan party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismula, and Albay 1st District Rep. Krisel Lagman.
Lawmakers pointed out a persistent contradiction: despite the Philippines being an archipelago, fisherfolk remain among the poorest sectors in society. The fisheries sector contributes only about 1.3 to 1.5 percent of national GDP, yet poverty incidence among fisherfolk is estimated at over 30 percent. At the same time, daily fish catch has significantly declined, from as much as 10 to 20 kilograms in previous years to an average of just 2.5 kilograms, amid overfishing, climate change, and encroachment on traditional fishing areas.
To address these structural problems, the lawmakers introduced three complementary bills targeting governance, labor protection, and coastal security.
The first, the Bantay-Dagat, Yaman-Lokal Act (House Bill No. 9043), seeks to strengthen the role of local government units (LGUs) in managing municipal waters. It reaffirms their authority over the 15-kilometer municipal fishing zone, establishes a dedicated fisheries sustainability fund, and gives LGUs power to reject environmentally harmful projects such as reclamation and dredging. It also pushes for greater participation of women and youth in fisheries governance and reinforces community-based sea patrol efforts.
The second measure, the Batas Alon or Security of Tenure for Fisherfolk and Fishworkers Act (House Bill No. 9044), aims to formalize labor rights in the fishing industry. It seeks to end the practice of classifying fisherfolk as independent contractors by recognizing them as regular workers entitled to minimum wage protection, maritime hazard pay, and full social benefits such as SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG coverage. The bill also provides income safeguards during periods of low or no catch and improves access to credit through formal employment recognition.
The third proposal, the Kasaganaan sa Baybayan Act (House Bill No. 9046), focuses on securing coastal settlements and protecting fishing communities from displacement. It mandates the creation of fisherfolk settlement areas near fishing grounds, prohibits arbitrary eviction without due process, and ensures compensation and livelihood assistance when relocation is necessary. It also promotes climate-resilient housing and limits forced relocation to areas officially declared unsafe.
Supporters of the measures said the bills are rooted in constitutional guarantees for subsistence fisherfolk and are intended to correct long-standing gaps in policy that have left coastal workers vulnerable despite their role in food production.
They added that genuine national development must include those at the frontlines of the country’s food system, stressing that protecting fisherfolk also means securing the future of Philippine coastal communities.