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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Fisherfolk groups call for a halt to reclamation projects, commercial fishing within 15-km municipal waters

Fisherfolk groups call for a halt to reclamation projects, commercial fishing within 15-km municipal waters

Published May 30, 2025 11:05 am

At A Glance

  • National Fisherfolks Day, observed annually on May 31, honors the contributions of Filipino fishermen, who are recognized as the rightful stewards and beneficiaries of the country's vast coastal and marine resources.
Fisherfolk groups launch a protest in Manila to urge the national government to put a stop on its reclamation projects affecting their livelihood. (Photo from Altermidya)
Fisherfolk groups launch a protest in Manila to urge the national government to put a stop on its reclamation projects affecting their livelihood. (Photo from Altermidya)

Over 500 fishermen from various parts of the country -- including Cavite, Laguna, Parañaque, Manila, Navotas, Malabon, Bulacan, Bataan, and Zambales -- gathered in Mendiola, Manila on Friday, May 30, calling on the national government to halt reclamation projects that destroy their livelihood.

The protests, held a day before the commemoration of National Fisherfolks Day on May 31, also called on the  Supreme Court (SC) to revoke its resolution allowing commercial and large-scale fishing within 15 kilometers of municipal waters.

According to the groups, an SC decision in 2024 affirmed a 2023 ruling from the Malabon Regional Trial Court (RTC) permitting a large fishing company to operate within town waters. 

The RTC had ruled that certain provisions of the 1998 Fisheries Code related to municipal waters were unconstitutional.

The groups said small-scale fishermen are given preferential access to this fishing zone, as mandated by the Fisheries Code of the Philippines.

To control the rallyists, the Manila Police District (MPD) deployed officers around Mendiola to prevent them from coming near Malacañang.

It also implemented a traffic rerouting scheme for motorists traveling to and from Mendiola to manage congestion in the area.

National Fisherfolks Day, observed annually on May 31, honors the contributions of Filipino fishermen, who are recognized as the rightful stewards and beneficiaries of the country's vast coastal and marine resources. 

The occasion also highlights the importance of sustainable fisheries and the need for effective policies to protect these resources.

Related Tags

National fisherfolks day fisherfolks fishing metro news protests metro news manila city Reclamation
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