31/07/2026
๐ฆ๐ข๐๐๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฉ๐๐ก ๐๐ฅ๐๐ก๐๐ฆ ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ก๐ง๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐๐ฅ๐ก๐ ๐๐ก๐ง ๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ฅ ๐ง๐ข ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ข๐๐
Subic, Zambales โ Around 500 fisherfolk from across Zambales gained easier access to essential government services through the Social Protection for the Fisherfolk Caravan yesterday, July 29. The caravan is a one-stop service initiative of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Conducted as part of the celebration of BFAR's 79th Anniversary and the 10th Anniversary of the West Philippine Sea Arbitral Award, the activity brought together national government agencies, local government units, and development partners to expand access to social protection programs and services for fishing communities.
The caravan was graced by Subic Mayor Jonathan Khonghun, First District of Zambales Representative Jefferson Khonghun, and Board Member Enrique "Ike" Delgado, representing Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was represented by Rebecca Andong on behalf of Dr. Lionel Dabbadie, FAO Representative in the Philippines. Participants also viewed recorded video messages from Dr. Dabbadie and Representative Tsuyoshi Anthony "Hori" Glinoga Horibata of the First District of Camarines Sur, both expressing their support for initiatives that strengthen the welfare and resilience of Filipino fisherfolk.
Leading the delivery of services were the Subic Rural Health Unit (RHU), RHU Generika, Department of Social Welfare and DevelopmentโSustainable Livelihood Program (DSWD-SLP), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), which provided on-site consultations, registration, enrollment, and information on healthcare, livelihood, housing, insurance, and other social protection programs, allowing fisherfolk to conveniently access multiple government services in one venue.
The activity also coincided with the distribution of fuel assistance and livelihood assistance to qualified fisherfolk beneficiaries, reaffirming the government's commitment to improving the productivity, resilience, and economic security of coastal communities.
The initiative was supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which provided meals for the participating fisherfolk, while the Fish Right Program facilitated the participation of 50 fisherfolk fishing beyond 15 kilometers from the shoreline by covering their meals and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) insurance premiums, enabling them to fully participate in the caravan and avail themselves of the services offered.
The event also featured the BFAR FishCoRe Booth, where participants learned about the Bureau's Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project through information, education, and communication (IEC) materials. The booth highlighted the project's initiatives on sustainable fisheries management, coastal resilience, and livelihood development, further promoting responsible fisheries management and community participation.
"Social protection goes beyond providing assistance; it is about ensuring that our fisherfolk have access to programs and services that strengthen their livelihoods and resilience. Through this caravan, we are bringing these opportunities closer to the communities that need them most," said Roy Ortega, Chief of the Fisheries Resources Management Division (FRMD), BFAR Central Office, who led the conduct of the activity.
Meanwhile, BFAR Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz underscored the value of collaboration in advancing fisherfolk welfare.
"The Social Protection for the Fisherfolk Caravan reflects our commitment to bringing government services closer to our fisherfolk. Through strong collaboration with our local government units, national government agencies, and development partners, we are making social protection more accessible to our fishing communities," Cruz said.
