ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Approximately 50 local fishers, youth advocates, and community leaders gathered here Saturday to protest the encroachment of large commercial vessels into municipal waters, launching an organized pushback to protect small-scale livelihoods.
The forum and fluvial parade, held May 30 in celebration of National Fisherfolk Day, brought together the Pitas Island Fisherfolk, the Youth for Climate Justice-Zamboanga City Chapter, and the Mujeres del Panzulan Organization. Participants used the platform to announce an upcoming signature campaign and formal petition demanding stricter government enforcement of boundaries legally reserved for local fishers.
Community leaders stated that illegal commercial operations in municipal waters have caused a severe decline in daily catches and local income, a situation compounded by extreme weather.
“We can no longer catch any fish because large fishing vessels are entering our municipal waters,” said Julpin, a fisherfolk leader from Barangay Bolong who goes by one name. “Even our seaweed crops died because of the intense heat. How else will we feed our families? Stop abusing us. Give us back our sea. Our lives depend on it.”
Municipal waters generally extend 15 kilometers from the coastline under Philippine law and are legally protected for small-scale, artisanal fishing. However, enforcement remains a persistent challenge for coastal communities nationwide.
Organizers said the coastal communities of Pitas Island and Sitio Panzulan in Barangay Bolong plan to finalize their petition this week. They are calling for increased maritime patrols and stricter penalties for commercial violators to protect regional food security and marine resources.
