BACOLOD CITY – The Supreme Court decision allowing commercial fishing vessels within the 15-kilometer municipal waters could impact the livelihoods of more than 45,000 marginalized fishing communities in Negros Occidental, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said.
Lacson stated that the provincial government, coastal local government units, and partner organizations stand in solidarity with over two million small-scale fishermen in the Philippines in ensuring municipal waters remain dedicated to their needs.
“We reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights of municipal fisherfolk by advocating for the continued preferential access of small-scale fishers to the 15-kilometer municipal waters,” Lacson said.
Lacson said that the province has 472 fisherfolk associations in 25 coastal cities and municipalities, covering 187 barangays, and plays a key role in food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable fisheries management.
The governor noted the resilience of small-scale fishermen in the face of environmental and socio-economic challenges and support from the Integrated Coastal Resource Management Program.
However, he said that small-scale fishermen remain vulnerable to climate change, illegal fishing, and limited economic opportunities.
“As these challenges persist, we must uphold their preferential rights to municipal waters, allowing them to sustain their livelihoods while contributing to the nation’s food security,” Lacson said.
Lacson called on national leaders, policy makers, and stakeholders to support efforts to protect municipal waters for small-scale fishermen to strengthen fisheries management and promote equitable and sustainable development for coastal communities.
“We hope for an incisive and sustainable policy that prioritizes those who need it the most,” he said.
The SC ruling issued on Dec. 19, 2024 lifted the 15-kilometer municipal water demarcation that previously prioritized municipal fisherfolk and regulated commercial fishing operations within in the area.