(MANILA BULLETIN)

Displaced fisherfolk from Masinloc, Zambales have asked visiting lawmakers to address their concerns and challenges in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid China’s continued aggression that threatens their safety and livelihood.

During a recent public consultation by the House Committee on National Defense and the House Special Committee on the West Philippine Sea, the fisherfolk were provided a platform to voice their concerns directly to members of the House of Representatives.

Wilmor Torrevillas, a fisherman of 35 years, explained that Masinloc fishermen have traditionally fished on Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) since the olden days.

"Sa atin naman talaga iyang Scarborough (Scarborough is really ours),” said Torrevillas.

"Ang tagal na naming nangingisda diyan. Bata pa lang ako diyan na kami nagingisda tapos biglang sasakupin ng China,” he added.

(We've been fishing there for a long time. Even when I was just a kid, we were already fishing there, and then suddenly it was taken over by China.)

Another fisherman, Eriderio Quezada, said the government should continue exerting efforts in defending the resource-rich WPS.

“Dapat nating ipaglaban ang ating sariling dagat. Hindi kami makapalaot sa Scarborough dahil nauuna ang takot at pangamba na baka habulin na naman kami ng mga rubber boats ng China,” said Quezada.

(We must fight for our own sea. We can't fish in Scarborough because there is the fear and apprehension that China's rubber boats will chase us again.)

Despite the 2016 international arbitral ruling that favored the Philippines’ case on the WPS, China continues its incursions in the disputed waters, with many fishermen displaced from their livelihood sources.

Another fisherman, Noli Delos Santos, expressed gratitude to the House members who pledged to take immediate steps to support his fellow fishermen.

“Masaya kami na nandito ang mga opisyal mula sa national government (We are happy that officials from the national government are here),” he said.

Delos Santos said he is hoping that the government can help provide the much-desired freedom to fish without fear of harassment from China.

The fisherfolk and their families were unanimous in their resolve toward a strengthened collaboration with the government to address pressing issues.

Providing the fishermen with larger fishing vessels to prevent displacement by foreign entities and increasing the investment in alternative livelihood sources for the fishermen's families are among the pledges from key House officials who attended the congressional hearing.

Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., one of the representatives present, said the hearing was a testament to the House of Representatives’ more inclusive and participatory approach under Speaker Martin Romualdez.