Today, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), sustained the “Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” (KBBM) initiative near Bajo De Masinloc. This program is designed to support over 35 Filipino fishing boats currently operating in the area. Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Commandant of the PCG, has deployed BRP Gabriela Silang and BRP Cabra to aid in this effort.
As part of the KBBM initiative, PCG and BFAR vessels are distributing essential fuel subsidies and ice to help local fishermen extend their fishing activities in the West Philippine Sea. Additionally, the MV Mamalakaya is on-site to purchase fish catches from boats that have reached their storage limits, allowing them to continue their fishing operations.
This collaborative effort, endorsed by the PCG, BFAR, and DA, aligns with President Marcos’s directive to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen while facilitating the sale of their catch through a Kadiwa setup. This setup allows the government to buy their catch at fair prices, with ongoing distributions projected to total around 35,000 liters of fuel and the procurement of 20 tons of assorted fish.
However, despite the humanitarian goals of this initiative, reports indicate continued harassment from the China Coast Guard towards Filipino fishermen receiving fuel subsidies. Nine Chinese vessels have been reported in the area, engaging in aggressive actions against both fishermen and PCG and BFAR vessels. In light of these challenges, the PCG and BFAR remain committed to prioritizing the safety of Filipino fishermen.
