As part of the government’s Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) program, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), will install around 20 payaos or fish aggregating devices in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to support Filipino fishermen, particularly those from Palawan.
This initiative aims to increase fish catch, lower operational costs, and encourage more fishing activity in the area. The project seeks to improve the livelihood of local fishers by providing easier access to fishing grounds and markets. By bringing the catch closer to market points and reducing fuel expenses, the PCG and BFAR hope to ease the burden on fisherfolk and strengthen the Philippines’ presence in the WPS.
This move also supports the country’s broader goals of food security, economic development, and maritime awareness in Philippine waters.