By CESAR JOLITO III
Small fishers and civil society organizations from Negros Occidental, Iloilo and Guimaras have raised concerns over the recent United States ban on blue swimming crabs from the Philippines, warning that the measure could have severe economic consequences for thousands of coastal families dependent on the industry.
The Panay-Negros-Guimaras Crab Fishers Alliance (PANEG-CA), considered one of the largest networks of small-scale fishers in the Visayas, expressed alarm over the ban, saying it threatens the livelihoods of some of the country’s most vulnerable sectors.
PANEG-CA said the ban could further worsen the plight of small fishers, whose poverty incidence remains among the highest in the country.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2021 showed that poverty incidence among fisherfolk stood at 30.6 percent, higher than the national average.
Representatives from coastal communities in Negros Occidental’s Himamaylan City, Victorias City, E.B. Magalona, Hinigaran, Binalbagan, Sagay City, as well as Guimaras and northern Iloilo, called on the national government, the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and local government units to immediately address the crisis.
The group urged authorities to implement policy reforms and provide relief assistance for fishers and crab workers who may lose income as a result of the export restriction.
They also appealed for the prompt release of financial assistance and the rollout of responsive livelihood programs, stressing that aid distribution should be equitable and free from political influence.
Draft a resolution, consult fisherfolk
Aya Gatuslao, a fishers’ group leader from Himamaylan City, said local stakeholders are drafting a resolution that will be presented to the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (CFARMC) and the city government to formulate a response to the issue.
Meanwhile, Victorias CFARMC Chairperson Karen Beraye and local fisherfolk leader Jojo Valero emphasized the importance of conducting fisheries consultations, planning and budgeting activities at the local level to ensure the participation of small fishers in addressing governance and data-related concerns.
They stressed that Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Councils and Local People’s Councils serve as the legitimate voices of fisherfolk and other marginalized sectors and should be consulted by government agencies in crafting solutions.
In Guimaras, fisher leader Pedro Galgo called on authorities to strengthen fisheries data monitoring, particularly in documenting bycatch and curbing illegal fishing activities, to align local fishing practices with standards required under the United States Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Edwin Balajadia, area manager of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement – Negros, said the ban underscores long-standing challenges in fisheries and environmental governance in the country.
Balajadia noted that stronger efforts are needed to protect coastal and marine habitats from destructive activities such as black sand mining, which he said threatens critical ecosystems and fishery resources.
The groups are urging the government to take immediate action to prevent further economic hardship among coastal communities while addressing the environmental and governance issues cited in the US ban./CCJ, WDJ