The Department of National Defense (DND) provided grocery packs and financial assistance to over 700 fishermen from Laoag City, Paoay, and Burgos on Saturday, May 2.
Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. spearheaded the distribution at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena. The initiative, conducted in partnership with the provincial government, aims to support those whose livelihoods have been temporarily disrupted by the ongoing Balikatan 2026 military drills.
“And not only that, the continuing engagement because this is a defensive area talaga that I explained to our fisher folk, pinaliwanag ko sa kanila. It is very important that they also help us guard the sea and the exclusive economic zone because that is for them,” Teodoro said.
“So, be that as it may, being that way, we also have to organize them so that collectively they can guard the sea so that they can fish.”
The aid comes ahead of major military maneuvers, including Counter-Landing Live Fire and Joint Task Force (JTF) maritime strike exercises scheduled for May 4 and 6 in Paoay. These drills are part of the 41st iteration of the annual bilateral training between the Philippines and the United States.
Teodoro lauded the quick coordination between local government units and the national defense sector in addressing the displacement of the fishing community.
“It is a learning curve and we’re glad na, look, I mean, an immediate and speedy action because of timely coordination between the municipal government and the provincial government and us,” Teodoro noted.
While their fishing activities are restricted near exercise zones, local fishermen expressed their understanding of the national security importance of the maneuvers. The Balikatan 2026 exercises are set to officially conclude on May 8.