Nearly half a million Filipino fisherfolk depend on the West Philippine Sea for their livelihoods, making the area critical not only for territorial claims but also for the country’s economy and food supply. Speaking at the 10th anniversary commemoration of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther E. Bayate emphasized that securing fishing communities is key to strengthening food security, economic resilience and national sovereign rights. Official records show 453,246 registered fisherfolk live in areas along the West Philippine Sea, with the largest groups in Palawan, followed by Pangasinan, Batangas and Cavite.
The West Philippine Sea has grown as a vital source of seafood. From 2006 to 2025, it contributed an average of 16.68 percent of the country’s total marine catch, and its share rose to nearly 20 percent last year after production jumped by almost 28 percent between 2022 and 2025 even as overall national fisheries output declined. The economic value of catches has also risen sharply, reaching P40.05 billion in 2025, or nearly 80 percent higher than in 2006, due to higher market prices and growing demand.
Fisherfolk continue to face multiple difficulties including harsh weather, rising fuel costs, illegal fishing, damaged marine areas, and reported access restrictions and harassment at sea. To address these challenges, the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources are rolling out expanded support programs. These include organizing cooperatives, providing training on sustainable practices and business skills, distributing modern fishing boats and gear under the F/B PAGBABAGO Program, and promoting seaweed farming. Special assistance is also extended to women through processing training and shared facilities such as cold storage and dryers. Fuel subsidies worth P3,000 each were given to over 18,000 fisherfolk in 2024. The government is also conducting scientific resource studies and working closely with the Coast Guard, Navy and maritime police to improve monitoring and enforce laws. Overall, efforts to safeguard the West Philippine Sea now focus equally on protecting livelihoods and ensuring stable food supplies alongside upholding national interests.
