About 1,000 fisherfolk in Parañaque City received 10 kilos of rice each as the local government stepped up support for coastal communities grappling with rising fuel prices and dwindling fish catch.

The distribution, led by Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, is part of an ongoing assistance program in coordination with national government efforts to cushion the economic strain on fisherfolk, many of whom rely on daily earnings from the sea.

According to Olivarez, the beneficiaries were drawn from registered fisherfolk across several barangays in the city, with priority given to those most affected by declining yields and increasing operational costs, particularly fuel for small fishing boats.

He emphasized that the rice aid, while temporary, is intended to address immediate food needs and ensure that families have access to basic staples amid uncertain income.

Many fisherfolk have recently reported smaller catches, adding financial struggles already made worse by rising fuel costs and unstable market prices.

Recipients welcomed the assistance, saying the additional rice supply would help stretch their limited budget and provide meals for their families for several days.