U.S. Embassy empowers fisherfolk

Over 180 fisherfolk from Zambales, Cagayan, and Sulu completed a year-long capacity-building program spearheaded by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and IMPL-Project Philippines, equipping them with essential knowledge on sustainable fishing and maritime rights protection in the South China Sea.

From June 2024 to May 2025, participants took part in the U.S. Embassy-funded “Empowering Coastal Communities in the Philippines” program.

A series of intensive workshops—facilitated by trainers from the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources—covered maritime law enforcement, strategies against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and the assertion of the Philippines’ sovereign maritime rights.

The program also guided fisherfolk in exploring alternative livelihoods as maritime tensions continued to affect access to traditional fishing grounds.

“It serves a vital role in mobilizing grassroots action and developing an informed citizenry to better address maritime challenges,” said Chad Kinnear, Deputy Director of Public Engagement of the U.S. Embassy, during the program’s closing ceremony in Masinloc on June 20.

Among the major outcomes was the formation of three new cooperatives: the Boundless Unity Steadfast and Inclusive Livelihood Agriculture Cooperative (BUSILAC) in Aparri, Cagayan; the Unified Livelihood Agriculture Cooperative (ULAC) in Zambales; and the Bangsa’Sug Fishermen Cooperative (BaSFC) in Sulu.

These organizations will help formalize fisherfolk representation in coastal governance and provide greater access to income-generating opportunities.

“Through the program, I learned the proper procedures for boat licensing and how to ensure our safety when fishing,” said Roland Fuentes, ULAC vice chairman and fisherman from Zambales.

Participants hailed the initiative as a key step in restoring marine resources, enhancing community resilience, and asserting national sovereignty in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

“We continue working toward long-term solutions to the maritime challenges our coastal communities face,” said IMPL Philippines Executive Director Julius Suarez.

Through this initiative, the United States reaffirms its commitment to advancing coastal resilience, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and empowering communities to respond to regional maritime challenges. JINKY JORGIO