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
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?
Written by Jhoanna Faye P. Jacinto, Mariano Marcos State University & University of the Philippines Visayas
Young Futures
Beyond the Waves
We are the voices, clear and strong,
The tide of change, a rising song.
Yet time has turned, but left us out,
Our dreams unheard, our hopes in doubt.
They craft a world, yet fail to see,
The ones who’ll shape its destiny.
A future built on borrowed time,
Without our hearts, without our rhyme.
We dream of oceans, vast and free,
Not choked by waste, but thriving seas.
Of fisheries that stand with pride,
Where hands of youth and wisdom guide.
We see communities held tight,
By justice, fairness, equal light.
Where every voice, both young and old,
Can shape the tales the future holds.
So hear us now, we claim our part,
With fearless minds and restless hearts.
Not just the heirs of what remains,
But builders of tomorrow’s reign.
Let us be more than echoes cast –
Give us the brush, we’ll paint it vast.
A world where youth can rise and stand,
Our future written by our hands.
I stand where ocean meets the sky,
A young woman with dreams held high.
A fisher’s child, a teacher too,
Bridging the old and forging the new.
They say the sea belongs to all,
Yet who will heed its silent call?
Who will fight when waters fade,
And voices drown beneath the trade?
I teach of tides and shifting sands,
Of calloused palms and weathered hands.
Of fishers waking with the sun,
Their battles fought, their labours spun.
But more than tales of net and wave,
I teach them how the world must change.
How policies must shape with care,
A future just, a future fair.
For oceans whisper in the deep,
A promise not just ours to keep.
If youth could rise and lead the way,
Would we not build a brighter day?
So let me stand, both strong and free,
A fisher’s voice, a teacher’s plea.
Not just a dreamer on the sand,
But one who dares to take a stand.
Guardians of the Sea
Written by Jesthony E. Agustin, Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology
The ocean calls, vast and wide,
A lifeline strong, a sailor’s guide.
Its waters deep, its currents bold,
A future tale yet to be told.
But tides now shift, the waves now cry,
As ships pass by and creatures die.
Pollution stains the waters blue,
A warning clear, a fate untrue.
Fish grow scarce, their numbers fade,
Coasts erode, the storms cascade.
Yet in our hands, the choice remains,
To heal the sea or break its chains.
As future seafarers, we must stand,
To guard the waves, protect the land.
Cleaner ships, a mindful way,
To sail tomorrow, start today.
The ocean’s fate is ours to weave,
To fight, to act, to not deceive.
A thriving sea, a world set free,
The time is now, it starts with me.
His Hope, My Fight, Our Future: Small-Scale Fisheries Thrive
Written by Jovy Fluer E. Elpos, University of the Philippines Visayas
Waking up and leaving at 4 AM to sail with father,
Clueless, uncertain, as waves stretched farther
Sleepy but he still pulled me out, calling my name –
“We need more hands; the season came.”
Out on the sea, the hopes rode high,
Yet we returned with a weary sigh
Four kilos caught in the ocean’s fight,
While bigger rival boats stole the rest from sight.
Selling the four kilos caught, numbers don’t lie –
Fuel and food cost more, we are tired, and pocket’s dry
“Better than nothing, at least we caught some”,
Faith still burned, “tomorrow is another day, son”
He carries hope like a flame in his chest,
And somehow, I’ve inherited the rest
That hope now fuels the fight I chose to serve –
For small-scale fishers and the rights they deserve.
SSF champions sustainable fishing – studies are clear,
Yet big vessels strip our waters, year after year
They stray too close —15 km, take more than their share,
Leaving our families struggling, gasping for air.
Policymakers and stakeholders involved must hear our call,
Let small-scale fishers stand tall
Engage, decide, discuss with wisdom and grace,
For a future where all have a place.
We, the youth, inherit tomorrow’s fate,
So we rise, we fight, we dare to dream,
Hoping that all we strive for will resonate,
And our dreams will shape the world, or so it seems.
I hope the winds and tides will guide us to a sea that thrives,
Where fisheries flourish, and SSF survives
Because for me, my father’s hope is my fight, our fight as one –
For the small-scale fishers, for justice, for years to come.
Young Future
Written by Prince Januever Araneta , Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology
The world turns,
and we stand on its edge,
feet firm, eyes bright,
hearts pounding with the weight of tomorrow.
Justice is not a whisper,
not a promise written in fading ink
it is a fire in young hands,
a path carved by voices that refuse to be silent.
Borders are lines we step over,
walls are shadows we outgrow.
We speak of fairness, not as a dream,
but as a truth waiting to rise.
The future is not distant
it is now, it is ours,
it is young.
Short movie
Short movie by Meshach Siega, Renato Cuison, Guillermo Metoda III, Joenel Villaflor, and Joshua Villaflor, State University of Northern Negros
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
Short documentary by Kim William V. Ladrera, Mindoro State University, Philippines
Video essay by Parha Lantong, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Philippines
Cartoon
A cartoon by Lorenz Jodimar G. De Leon, Central Luzon State University
Songs
Wild and Free - original song from Vanladen P. Hasan, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology
Tinig ng Karagatan' - original song by Ronnel Adriano, Central Luzon State University, Philippines
Drawings
A drawing by Alexis Clarisse M. Boado, Central Luzon State University
A drawing by Kirby Pasilan, State University of Northern Negros
A drawing by Edreal Joash Corpuz, Central Luzon State University
A drawing by Jonray S. Alcoran, State University of Northern Negros
A drawing by Jem Celyne Ferrer, University of the Philippines Visayas
Poster
A poster by John Clarence Enrile, 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.
Tides of change: A future at risk
Written by Danielle Marie C. Profetana, Eastern Visayas State University – Carigara Campus
The ocean is where we often find solace, a place where the only sound one can hear is the crashing sound of waves that somehow calms us. The ocean is a refuge for most people, it is their escape from the chaotic reality of life, and a place to recharge and reconnect with the beauty of nature. However, this sanctuary of ours is at risk, plastics after plastics can be seen floating in the water, drainage system outlets directed in the ocean, and the once vibrant colour of the ocean slowly becoming murky showing a strong sign of pollution. While the ocean plays significant roles as a source of livelihood, food and habitat to the marine life, anthropogenic activities continue to pose a threat to this treasured resource. Unsustainable fishing practices, untreated sewage directly disposed into the ocean, excessive extraction of beach sand, and the cutting down of mangroves are among the most frustrating activities done by the people. Those irresponsible actions are the driving factor towards pollution and climate change – two of the biggest problems faced by the world. Are you contributing to these problems? How do these activities affect the marine ecosystem?
Unsustainable fishing practices like dynamite fishing, using of fine mesh nets, and the use of illegal fishing gears can deplete fish population and harm the marine ecosystem as it can catch even the smallest fishes that should be the future of the ocean, and also destroy the coral reefs which are the main habitat of fishes. Untreated sewage directly discharged into the ocean is the large contributor of marine pollution. Excessive nutrients from the waste can cause eutrophication and the excessive growth of algae deplete oxygen level in the water that cause the death of marine animals. It also contribute to the presence of micro-plastics in the water which pose a threat to the health of the fishes. Excessive extraction of beach sand destroys the nesting and breeding areas of turtle and fish. It also causes soil erosion. Beach sand is the natural buffer against erosion and protecting coastlines against rising sea levels and waves, the excessive extraction of beach sand can weaken the buffer making the coastal areas more vulnerable to erosion. Mangrove deforestation can contribute in climate change. Mangroves absorb most of the carbon dioxide in the ocean storing it in their biomass and sediments. Cutting them down may release the carbon dioxide into the air again contributing to climate change. Mangrove deforestation can destroy the habitat of most marine life, as it serves as a breeding ground for some animals.
Tides had drastically changed; the once-thriving ocean is now slowly losing its life. We have inherited the richness of the ocean, from that moment it has become our responsibility to protect and care for it. However, it’s heartbreaking to witness our failure to protect it for the future generations. Continued activities like unsustainable fishing practices, direct waste disposal to the ocean, excessive beach sand extraction and mangrove deforestation will have devastating consequences to those who will come after us. Is it too late to make a change? The answer is undoubtedly no. But are we willing to save the future of our ocean? It’s the question that I hope everyone answers yes.
Troubled Waters: Navigating the Challenges of Municipal Fisheries
Written by Meshach F. Siega, State University of Northern Negros
In conclusion, the challenges faced by the municipal fisheries sector in the Philippines are multifaceted and deeply rooted in historical, economic, and environmental factors. Despite the implementation of various laws and regulations,
issues such as illegal fishing, overfishing, and commercial encroachment persist, threatening the livelihoods of fisherfolk and the health of marine ecosystems. To address these challenges, it is imperative to strengthen law enforcement, update legislation, engage stakeholders, leverage technology, and provide financial support. By investing in these areas and fostering a collaborative approach, we can ensure the sustainable management of marine resources, improve the livelihoods of fisherfolk, and secure a prosperous future for the fisheries sector. The question is – are we willing to make a change?