Photo by: BFAR Gitnang Luzon
By; Alex Q. Galang
SUBIC, Zambales — Around 500 fisherfolk from across Zambales gained access to essential government services through the Social Protection for the Fisherfolk Caravan held on July 29, as part of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) 79th Anniversary celebration and the 10th Anniversary of the West Philippine Sea Arbitral Award.
The one-stop service caravan aimed to bring government programmes closer to fishing communities by providing easier access to healthcare, livelihood, housing, insurance, and other social protection services that promote the welfare and resilience of fisherfolk.
The event was attended by Subic Mayor Jonathan Khonghun, Zambales First District Representative Jefferson “Jay” Khonghun, and Board Member Enrique “Ike” Delgado, representing Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. Representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other development partners also joined the activity in support of strengthening the country’s fishing sector.
Representative Khonghun underscored the importance of sustained government support for the fishing industry, saying the caravan reflects the value of collaboration in uplifting coastal communities.
“Our fisherfolk are among the pillars of our local economy, and they deserve accessible government services that improve their quality of life. This Social Protection Caravan demonstrates what can be achieved when national agencies, local government units, and development partners work together to ensure that our coastal communities receive the support they need to become more productive, resilient, and self-sufficient,” the lawmaker said.
Participating agencies included the Subic Rural Health Unit, RHU Generika, the Department of Social Welfare and Development–Sustainable Livelihood Program (DSWD-SLP), the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), which provided on-site consultations, registration, enrolment, and information services.
Photo by: BFAR Gitnang Luzon
The caravan also featured the distribution of fuel and livelihood assistance to qualified fisherfolk beneficiaries, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving the productivity and economic security of coastal communities. FAO provided meals for participants, while the Fish Right Program sponsored the meals and PCIC insurance premiums of 50 commercial fishers to ensure their participation.
Mayor Jonathan Khonghun welcomed the initiative, noting that bringing government services directly to communities helps address the immediate needs of fisherfolk while supporting their long-term development.
“We are grateful to BFAR and all participating agencies for bringing these essential services directly to our fisherfolk. By making healthcare, livelihood assistance, insurance, and other government programmes more accessible, we are empowering our fishing communities and strengthening their capacity to provide for their families while promoting sustainable fisheries in Subic,” the mayor said.
A BFAR FishCoRe information booth also showcased the Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project, highlighting initiatives on sustainable fisheries management, coastal resilience, and livelihood development.
BFAR Fisheries Resources Management Division Chief Roy Ortega said social protection extends beyond financial assistance by ensuring fisherfolk have access to programmes that strengthen their livelihoods and resilience. Meanwhile, BFAR Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz underscored that strong collaboration among local government units, national agencies, and development partners is key to making government services more accessible to fishing communities.