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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider For small fisherfolk: Fishers' group backs 'Atin ang Kinse Kilometro' bill

For small fisherfolk: Fishers' group backs 'Atin ang Kinse Kilometro' bill

Published Oct 23, 2025 06:37 pm
Progressive fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) has expressed support for the “Atin ang Kinse Kilometro” bill, which seeks to uphold the exclusive rights of small fishers over municipal waters often encroached upon by commercial fishing vessels.
In a statement on Thursday, Oct. 23, the group urged the House of Representatives to pass House Bill (HB) 5606, or the “Atin ang Kinse Kilometro” bill, filed by the Makabayan Bloc through Kabataan Party-list Representative Renee Co.
According to Pamalakaya, the proposed measure responds to a controversial court ruling that declared the preferential rights of small fisherfolk over municipal waters unconstitutional, “in favor” of commercial fishing vessels.
“We urge Congress to heed the fisherfolk’s long-time demand for absolute access to municipal waters,” Pamalakaya Chairperson Fernando Hicap said.
He also called on Congress to address the “unregulated and often destructive” fishing operations of commercial fishing vessels in traditional fishing grounds.
Pamalakaya said the bill prohibits commercial fishing vessels—large-scale fishing operations using passive or active gear for business or profit—from operating within municipal waters and bays.
The group added that it will submit a formal position paper to the House Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources, detailing the small fisherfolk’s basis of support for HB 5606.
Pamalakaya noted that several provincial and regional fisherfolk organizations from Zambales, Panay Island, and the Bicol region have already expressed support for the “Atin ang Kinse Kilometro” bill.
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