The government has expanded further the scope of its Kadiwa ng Pangulo program to cover the West Philippine Sea (WPS) with core operations based in Palawan province.
Dubbed “Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM),” the initiative was rolled out at the Buliluyan Port under the auspices of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The program deployed a government-owned vessel to procure the fishermen’s catch directly, ensuring them a consistent market. Additionally, it offered fuel subsidies as part of 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 Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson on the WPS.
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 supplies to extend their fishing operations in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria Guevarra said the KBBM hopes to cover fishermen in the Kalayaan Group of Islands this year.
The initiative also hopes to carry out “one mission’’ to the target areas per month, she said.
The KBBM aims to encourage fishermen to maintain their traditional fishing grounds in the WPS—with PCG vessels offering them security amid 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. 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.” Tarriela added.
