The national government was urged to prioritize social benefits for workers and production subsidies for the marginalized sectors, saying that this would help “boost productivity” in the country.

“In social benefits and production aid – these are where the Marcos administration should invest the people’s money.... nvesting in our work force will increase productivity, and consequently stabilize prices of basic commodities, especially food products,” said fishers' group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) in an official statement on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

The fisherfolk group has been pushing for the provision of a P15,000 production subsidy to the marginalized sectors. According to Pamalakaya, this aid would cover at least two months of fuel expenses of small-scale fishermen alone.

“If sufficient livelihood subsidies are rolled out, small fishers would be able to keep up with the production cycle,” said the group, adding that this would eventually help lessen the prices of goods, especially fish, in the market.

In relation to this, Pamalakaya reiterated its opposition against the controversial Maharlika Wealth Fund.

“We maintain that this measure is a misplaced and unsettling priority especially in the midst of rising inflation wherein the most vulnerable sectors like the fisherfolk need sufficient government support,” it said.