Bolinao, Pangasinan – The FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list is focusing its efforts on bolstering the livelihood of fishermen in Pangasinan, recognizing the crucial role the fisheries sector plays in achieving national food security goals.

Party-list representative Brian Poe Llamanzares underscored this commitment during a recent visit to Bolinao, where he engaged with local fishermen and assessed the challenges they face.

Pangasinan’s fishing industry is a vital source of income for countless families, with many relying entirely on fishing for their sustenance.

Fishermen ply the waters across 14 coastal areas of the province, including Bolinao, Anda, Bani, Agno, Burgos, Dasol, Infanta, Sual, Labrador, Lingayen, Binmaley, San Fabian, and the cities of Alaminos and Dagupan. However, the sector faces significant hurdles.

Poe’s assessment revealed a growing concern among small-scale fishermen regarding the impact of large-scale commercial fishing.

Competition for dwindling resources is intensifying, leading to a noticeable decline in their catch. This is further worsened by the degradation of Pangasinan’s coral reefs, a critical habitat for fish populations.

The destruction of these vital ecosystems is attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including climate change, overfishing, destructive fishing practices, pollution, coastal development, and rising ocean temperatures causing coral bleaching.

The resulting decline in fish stocks directly impacts the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen who lack the resources to compete with larger vessels.

In response to these challenges, the provincial government of Pangasinan is actively working to mitigate the damage by installing concrete artificial reefs in various locations. These structures serve as fish sanctuaries, while also providing coastal protection from waves.

FPJ Panday Bayanihan is collaborating with various government agencies to provide comprehensive support to the fishing sector.

This includes training programs to enhance fishing techniques, technical assistance to improve efficiency, and financial aid to help fishermen invest in sustainable practices.

The party-list’s technical working group is also actively developing strategies to help the local government maximize the contribution of fishing to the region’s food security.