FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Representative Brian Poe has urged government agencies to deploy innovative strategies to protect the livelihoods of fisherfolk, secure the nation’s food supply, and strengthen marine conservation.
During a House Committee on Agriculture and Food hearing on El Niño readiness, Poe pointed out that the fishing sector is currently facing a double crisis: skyrocketing fuel prices and changing ocean conditions that alter traditional fishing areas.
A Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) representative at the hearing assured lawmakers that the government is preparing financial relief for the sector.
“They are in favor of fuel subsidies. So, the allocation for our fisherfolks is continuous,” the DOLE representative stated.
However, Poe raised concerns over how heavily these expenses impact everyday operations.
“Ang balita kasi sa akin sa pag-iikot ko sa mga consultation, umaabot ng 70% ang kanilang cost sa fuel. So, kumbaga if we have El Niño, based on the report from, I believe, BFAR, if we have El Niño, lumalayo nang lumalayo ang fishing grounds. They have to go further out to catch more fish,” he explained.
To ease this burden, the lawmaker proposed expanding DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
He suggested paying displaced fisherfolk to handle coastal cleanup and marine biodiversity tasks, allowing them to earn a living while protecting their local environment.
”Protecting marine conservation is something that many countries already do. Perhaps we can employ fisherfolk who will be affected by El Niño to become part of a marine conservation program under TUPAD,” Poe noted.
Poe explained that this approach keeps fishers rooted in their own communities and connected to their primary trade, rather than forcing them into completely unrelated temporary jobs.
”If we employ them through the TUPAD program, we’re basically employing them to protect our food security. Our fisherfolk are a crucial part of our food security, and we must ensure they can continue their livelihood,” Poe added.
Labor officials welcomed the proposal, noting that discussions are underway to create specific safety nets for workers vulnerable to extreme weather events.
”TUPAD is a wage that is an add-on so that they won’t be at a loss. This is one thing that we can explore,” a department official remarked.
With state weather bureau PAGASA forecasting a severe El Niño to intensify later this year, Poe continues to push for proactive, sustainable policies that safeguard the country’s agricultural and aquatic communities.