The second phase of the “Kadiwa” program to support fishermen operating in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) was launched on Wednesday to serve communities across Palawan, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reported.
Named Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM), the initiative officially began at the Buliluyan Port in Bataraza, Palawan led by the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The program deploys a government-owned vessel to purchase the fishermen’s catch directly, ensuring them a consistent market. Additionally, it offers fuel subsidies as part of its support package.
“This Kadiwa program aims to streamline the selling process for fishermen by subsidizing the procurement of their fresh catch directly at sea, which effectively lowers their operational costs,” said PCG spokesperson on WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela.
The Kadiwa launch in Palawan came almost a month after the May 9 opening of the pilot project at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off the province of Zambales.
“Additionally, the program supports fishermen’s livelihoods not only by providing a fast and direct selling method, but also through fuel subsidies and ice provisions to extend their fishing ventures in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria Guevarra said the KBBM program hopes to cover fishermen in the Kalayaan Group of Islands, also in Palawan, this year.
The initiative also hopes to carry out “one mission’’ to the target areas per month, she said.
The KBBM seeks to encourage fishermen to keep going their traditional fishing grounds in the WPS—with PCG vessels offering them security—despite the presence of China Coast Guard vessels and maritime militia boats.
“Encouraging more fishermen to operate in the West Philippine Sea is expected to enhance the fish supply and increase maritime activities in these waters,” Tarriela said.
“This initiative benefits local coastal communities in Palawan economically and strengthens the country’s sustainable food sources. It also reflects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to empowering fishermen and promoting responsible practices, ultimately ensuring food security of our country,” he added.
