PAMPANGA, Philippines – Nine traditional aggregating device or payaos were distributed to seven local fisherfolk organizations in Zambales and Bataan on Tuesday, October 1, to support fisherfolk who have been severely impacted by China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
The beneficiaries of the “Adopt-a-Payao” project are New Masinloc Fishermen’s Association, the Mabayo Agri-Aqua Association, the Subic Commercial Fishing Association Incorporated, the Nagtulong Fishermen’s Association, the Barretto Fishermen’s Association, the Samahan at Ugnayan ng mga Mangingisda sa Matain, and the San Miguel Pundaquit Fisherfolks Association.
Former senator Bam Aquino, together with the Atin Ito Coalition, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Rotary Club of Makati, turned over the payaos to the fishermen’s groups.
“Malaking bagay ang mga payao na ito sa aming mga mangingisda. Matagal na naming nararamdaman ang epekto ng panggigipit ng China sa aming hanapbuhay, at ngayon, kahit papaano ay mas magkakaroon kami ng pagkakataon na makapangisda ng mas maayos. Ang tulong na ito ay nagbibigay sa amin ng pag-asa na patuloy na ipaglaban ang karapatan naming mangisda sa sarili naming karagatan,” said Leandro Cuaresma, president of the New Masinloc Fishermen Association.
(These payaos mean a lot to our fishermen. We have been feeling the impact of China’s pressure on our livelihood for a long time, and now, at least we will have a chance to fish well. This assistance gives us the hope to continue to fight for our right to fish in our own seas.)
Aquino said through the project, fisherfolk are given “tools to continue their work with dignity despite the challenges they face from foreign aggression.”
“This is not just an act of solidarity, but a commitment to defending their rights to the resources of our seas,” he added.
Atin Ito co-convenor and Akbayan Partylist president Rafaela David said the goal is to strengthen the capacity of local fishing communities to maintain their livelihood amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Atin Ito is the civil society coalition that spearheaded historic civilian-led supply missions to the West Philippine Sea in December 2023 and May of this year.
“This initiative is a concrete step towards empowering our fisherfolk. It’s a testament to our unyielding commitment to stand by them against China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea. The sea belongs to our people, and we will continue to help our fisherfolk reclaim their livelihood and dignity,” said David. – Joann Manabat/Rappler.com