Nearly half of marginal fishers in several Luzon provinces have stopped going out to sea due to rising fuel prices, the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) reported during a Senate Committee on Agriculture hearing.
SINAG, which represents various agricultural and fisheries industry groups in the Philippines, raised the alarm over the economic impact of fuel price increases on small-scale fishers, who rely heavily on diesel and gasoline to power their fishing boats. With fuel costs eating into or exceeding their potential earnings, many have found it economically unviable to continue fishing.
The situation poses a serious threat to food security and the livelihoods of coastal communities across Luzon. Marginal fishers, who typically operate small, non-motorized or lightly motorized vessels, have among the least capacity to absorb rising input costs compared to commercial fishing operations.
SINAG called on the Senate to consider targeted fuel subsidies or assistance programs for the fisheries sector, warning that prolonged inactivity among small-scale fishers could lead to reduced fish supply and higher prices for consumers. The group urged lawmakers to act swiftly to prevent further deterioration of the sector's condition.
