Dance
Interpretative dance by a youth group from the State University of Northern Negros
Dancers: Egie Boy v. Gilo, Jason Gabayeron,John Arvin Loreto, Eleazar Tobongbanua, Romeo Banguiran, Via Luisa Arabes, Sofia Rose P. Diaz, Manuel Pastorpede, Angelo Manzanares, Rhu-anne Bansag
Photo collage
A photo collage by Ma. Ronnieza A. Jumawan, Cebu Technological University
Poems
'Rise' - poem by Licerie Claire R. Tanggap, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Philippines
A poem by Trisha B. Fidel, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Philippines
Where Justice is Served
Written by Vhan Phoenix Fernandez, Western Philippines University
Coastal resources, too, demand sustainability,
To feed those who are hungry and fuel the economy.
Yet the treasures we thought we shared
Are feasted upon by sharks as equity turns into warfare.
Large seiners and trawlers take what’s beyond their right,
Forcing small-scale fishers to protest their plight.
Justice, it seems, is too often denied,
Their struggles ignored, their voices cast aside.
Despite long hours at sea, they rank highest in poverty,
Risking their sails against the currents to feed their families.
With only a fraction of the catch they receive,
They are lost to power plays favoring deceitful intentions.
What will happen in the days ahead? Weeks after next?
When the government pretends to be deaf to our needs?
We must see that the future is at stake,
Not just mine, but for all who partake.
It’s not just a dwindling catch we mourn,
But the loss of fishers and a future yet to be born.
Hence, this must be a reminder to always stand firm and never swerve,
Toward where the little voices resound yet remain unheard.
This is where justice must be served!
The fisherman’s daughter’s li/e
Where Justice is Served
Written by Cyndy G. Condrillon, Cebu Technological University
As I chased my greatest dream,
Not knowing where life’s currents stream,
Sacrifices made far from home,
Loved ones are distant, and hardships galore.
Pursuing that dream was never easy,
Storms and trials they made me weary.
An opportunity came, and I landed a job.
The salary was not enough, but it was the choice I had.
It wasn’t my decision, but my parents’ ambition,
So I accepted, despite the contradiction.
Working there, I couldn’t help but ponder,
Desperate to help my family, I wandered.
Applied to jobs, claiming I was unemployed,
Just to get what I needed and deserved.
Would they find out, would they know,
I have an employer, my hidden woe?
What could I do? Our means were thin,
In my family’s life, it’s a constant spin.
My father is a fisherman, casting hope,
My mother’s at home; she needs to cope.
My father’s catch is just enough to sustain,
To keep my sister’s schooling day by day.
Fortune smiled, I was hired anew,
But it was built on a lie I drew.
Would I be sued? I don’t know,
Here’s the greatest lie I ever sowed,
I am moonlighting; what choice do I have?
Video essays
'Ripple: The Future We Create' - video essay from Bernice Marie Flora, Francis Bangha-on & Arniel John Lopez, Guimaras State University
Video essay from Harvey M. Acedo, Central Luzon State University
'Dive into the World of Fisheries' - video essay from Saidol J. Amil, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology
Video essay from Lenny T. Lawadin, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Philippines
Video essay by Poala Jean Badayos, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Philippines
Video essay by Warlito M. Bajo III,, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Philippines
Cartoon
A cartoon by Lorenz Jodimar G. De Leon, Central Luzon State University
Short essays
Fishing for Fairness: Protecting Small-Scale Fishers from Commercial Exploitation
Written by Mark Anthony Borres, Western Philippines University
The increasing presence of commercial fishing vessels in certain fishing grounds raises concerns about the future of aquatic resources. The simultaneous use of multiple active fishing gears across vast ocean areas is gradually degrading our precious waters. At first glance, this may seem exaggerated, but when we compare the accounts of elders with historical studies on catch volumes, their observations align with documented data. This correlation highlights a pressing issue: the overharvesting of marine resources at levels that exceed the maximum sustainable yield permitted by law.
Overfishing disrupts the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, particularly affecting high-value species that are most vulnerable to excessive fishing. When fish are caught at a rate faster than they can reproduce, populations decline rapidly, leading to long-term consequences for both the environment and local fisheries. We are already witnessing the effects of this depletion, as fishers are forced to venture farther from shore to maintain their catch – whereas fish were once abundant in nearby waters.
We must take proactive measures before the situation worsens. As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” Government agencies responsible for protecting aquatic resources have begun implementing resolutions to enhance policies and ordinances aimed at combating unsustainable fishing practices. However, not all provisions of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (Republic Act No. 8550), which seeks to eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, are strictly enforced.
One particularly contentious provision is Section 18, which governs the use of municipal waters. By law, municipal waters – extending 15 kilometers from the shoreline – are reserved for small-scale fishing and are off-limits to commercial fishing operations. However, an exception allows small and medium commercial vessels to operate in these waters between 10.1 and 15 kilometers from shore, provided the depth is at least seven fathoms and they obtain a special permit from the local government unit (LGU). While this provision was intended as a regulatory measure, it has instead contributed to further problems.
Small-scale fishers now face increased competition from commercial fishing operations, whose advanced gear and high-tech equipment give them a significant advantage. Previously, local fishers were the primary beneficiaries of municipal waters, but now they must compete with larger vessels that deplete the resources meant for them. Additionally, there is growing concern that some LGUs, responsible for enforcing regulations, may favour wealthy commercial fishing operators, creating an imbalance in the system.
As a young future fisheries professional who grew up in a fishing community, I have personally observed these trends. It often seems that those with financial power can manipulate the law to serve their interests, leaving small-scale fishers struggling to sustain their livelihoods. While this is my personal perspective, I sincerely hope it is not an absolute reality. We must prioritize the fair and sustainable management of our marine resources to protect both our environment and the communities that depend on it.
Uplifting Small-Scale Fishers: Ensuring Fair Opportunities and Livelihood
Written by Alyssa M. Gallanosa, Western Philippines University
Small-scale fishers play a vital role in the economy and culture of many nations, especially in countries like ours that rely heavily on fishing as a primary livelihood. Despite their significant contributions, they often struggle due to a lack of government support, which makes their work even more challenging. If they were given proper assistance – whether they operate on a small or large scale – and were treated fairly and equally, their livelihood would greatly improve.
Unfortunately, the system often favours large-scale fisheries, leaving small fishers at a disadvantage. One of their biggest struggles is selling their catch at a fair price. Due to limited access to good markets, they are forced to sell their products at lower prices dictated by buyers. They have little choice – if they refuse to sell at low prices, their catch will go to waste, leading to even greater losses despite their hard work.
Government agencies should prioritize providing support for small-scale fishers and ensuring they receive fair prices for their catch. As young future, we must also recognize and support these fishers, as they are the ones supplying the seafood we find in our markets. By standing with them, we help sustain their livelihood and ensure a fairer system for all.
Song
Wild and Free' - original song from Vanladen P. Hasan, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology
Drawings
A drawing by Jonray S. Alcoran, State University of Northern Negros
