The maritime version of the Kadiwa program which directly benefits fishermen would continue until the end of President Marcos' term.
Kadiwa for fishers to continue until end of Marcos' term
Published May 16, 2025 02:59 pm
At A Glance
- The maritime version of the Kadiwa program, aimed at benefiting fishermen, is set to continue until the end of President Marcos' term.
- This initiative is focused on improving fishermen's income, addressing food security, and asserting the country's presence in the West Philippine Sea.
- The MV Mamalakaya, a vessel involved in this initiative, has already purchased 20.3 tons of fish, benefiting about 120 fishermen and 11 fishing vessels. This program also provides subsidies for fuel and ice to support fishermen with transportation and other operational expenses.
Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (Photo courtesy of PCG)
It will be sustained until 2028 in order to help fishermen improve their income, address food security concerns, and maintain the country's presence in the West Philippine Sea.
"Yes, opo, para matugunan din po ang issue about food security, talaga pong ito ay pinag-utos ng ating Pangulo (Yes, so that we can address issues about food security, this is an order from the President)," Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Friday, May 16, when asked about the duration of the program.
She added that this is also an effort of the government to increase its presence in the West Philippine Sea.
The Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) was launched under the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to directly purchase fish catch from fishermen in Bajo de Masincloc.
Under the program, the government sends MV Mamalakaya to buy fish. Recently, it has purchased a total of 20.3 tons of fish, benefiting around 120 fishermen and 11 fishing vessels.
Castro said the initiative will continue until many more fishing vessels are encouraged to fish in the country's waters.
The fish catch directly bought from the fishermen were brought to the fish port.
Aside from buying their catch, the PCG and BFAR also provided subsidies for fuel and ice as assistance to fishermen struggling with transportation and other expenses.
"Sa unang biyahe pa lamang ng MV Mamalakaya, matagumpay na itong nakabili ng dalawampung toneladang sariwang isda mula sa mga lokal na mangingisda. Sa KBBM, sama-sama nating itinataas ang dangal ng mangingisdang Pilipino habang pinangangalagaan ang yaman ng ating karagatan para sa kinabukasan ng buong bayan (On just its first voyage, the MV Mamalakaya successfully purchased 20 tons of fresh fish from local fishermen. Under KBBM, we are collectively uplifting the dignity of Filipino fishermen while protecting the wealth of our seas for the future of the entire nation)," Castro said.