Fisherfolk from various provinces marched to Mendiola in Manila on November 21, to commemorate Global Fisheries Day. The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) and its chapters led the protest.

Fisherfolk charged the Marcos regime for continuing to implement liberalization policies on fish imports in the fishing sector. In 2024 alone, the Department of Agriculture has approved the importation of at least 38,000 metric tons (MT) of fish. The excuses given for this include the “closed fishing season” and the impact of consecutive typhoons.

From 2018 to 2023, the Philippines imported over 250,000 MT of various pelagic fish species such as galunggong, mackerel, matang baka, bonito, and others for consumption. Pamalakaya noted that most of these fish come from China and Taiwan, which are known for fishing even in Philippine waters.

Their distress worsened when President Marcos signed Administrative Order No. 20 in April, which allows the direct importation of fish for sale in markets. Pamalakaya stated that this order significantly devastates small-scale fisherfolk who cannot compete with imported fish. In the past, fish imports were only for processing and canning.

At the protest, the fisherfolk denounced the projects harmful to the fishing sector, including the reclamation in Manila Bay and other areas. They also noted that Marcos’ pro-US and militaristic policies made him inutile in addressing the situation of Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea. They added that the regime’s amendments to the Fisheries Code of Republic Act 10654 limited their fishing grounds.

“The Marcos Jr administration remains heedless to the fishing sector’s many grievances” Pamalakaya vice chair and Makabayan Coalition senatorial candidate Ronnel Arambulo said.

Pamalakaya-Panay picketed before the Iloilo City Capitol as part of the protest. The island’s fisherfolk called for support, subsidies, and alternative sources of livelihood in light of the fishing ban until February. They also demanded the withdrawal of soldiers who are harassing and intimidating their communities for standing up for their rights.

Global Fisheries Day was first observed on November 21, 1997, when the World Forum of Fisher Peoples, an international organization of fisherfolk, was formed. Pamalakaya is a member organization of this group.