LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — The government is looking to work with fisherfolk affected by ongoing military exercises to help monitor nearby waters, while providing assistance to offset lost income during fishing restrictions, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Saturday.
Teodoro said fishermen could help authorities by reporting maritime activity, citing their familiarity with local waters.
“Our fisherfolk are among those who know these areas best… They can help us by reporting what they see,” he said.
READ: ‘Balikatan’ displaces Zambales fishers
The initiative is being carried out alongside the ongoing Balikatan exercises, which have prompted temporary no-sail zones in parts of the country.
Teodoro said the government is coordinating with local officials and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to assist affected communities.
He noted that their coordination efforts revealed the fishers were unable to work, which led to a rapid response and immediate assistance.
READ: In Zambales, ‘Balikatan’ drills cut short; ‘no sail’ policy lifted
He said authorities are also looking to organize fisherfolk so they can help monitor the country’s waters, noting that such cooperation would benefit coastal communities.
“If they do not monitor the situation also, it is to their disadvantage,” he said, referring to the risk of others exploiting marine resources.
Teodoro also pushed back against claims that the drills have displaced fishermen.
“To an extent, we are addressing it… but the narrative is for another purpose,” he said, adding that fisherfolk have been coordinating with the government.
He described the response as part of a “learning curve,” saying authorities aim to put systems in place ahead of future exercises.
The Balikatan exercises come amid ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea, where repeated confrontations have been reported between Philippine vessels and Chinese maritime forces in key features of the waters.
700 fishers receive aid
More than 700 fisherfolk in Ilocos Norte received financial assistance and food packs on Saturday as a no-sail zone remains in effect during the drills.
Teodoro, joined by Ilocos Norte Gov. Cecilia Araneta Marcos, led the distribution of aid to 734 beneficiaries in Laoag City. The recipients included 366 fishers from Paoay, 273 from Burgos, and 95 from Laoag City.
“This is our obligation to you. The assistance (is) an obligation because it is the government’s job to take care of all Filipinos,” Teodoro said in his speech.
Marcos said local officials flagged the impact of the temporary fishing restrictions, noting that fisherfolk rely on their daily income.
She said the provincial government moved to distribute food packs while coordinating with national agencies for financial assistance.
Officials said the aid corresponds to about four days of lost income. The no-sail restriction in parts of the province is in effect until May 6 due to increased military activity.
Teodoro said support would go beyond immediate aid, citing coordination with BFAR on measures such as improving storage and helping fisherfolk sustain their livelihoods.
The Balikatan exercises, involving Philippine forces and allies, are being held across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and are set to conclude on May 8. /mr
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