Business · Philippines Bureau
Philippine fishing groups seek government aid as El Niño looms
Fisherfolk organizations are urging the government to provide fuel subsidies and economic support as El Niño threatens to disrupt marine harvests and increase operational costs. The dry weather pattern is expected to make fishing more difficult and expensive during the coming months.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Major fishing organizations in the Philippines have appealed to authorities for emergency assistance to help workers cope with the anticipated economic impact of El Niño.
Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), one of the country's largest fisherfolk groups, issued the call on Friday, requesting fuel subsidies and targeted economic aid for the fishing sector. The group cited mounting concerns about how the climate phenomenon will affect marine productivity and livelihood sustainability across the archipelago.
Fishing operations typically become more challenging and costly during El Niño-induced dry seasons, as reduced water conditions and shifting marine habitats make catches more difficult to secure. These circumstances force fisherfolk to venture farther from shore or spend extended periods at sea, significantly increasing fuel consumption and operational expenses.
The appeal highlights the vulnerability of the fishing industry to climate variability and the need for government intervention to protect one of the country's key livelihood sectors. Industry representatives have emphasized that without adequate support measures, many small-scale and marginal fisherfolk could face severe economic hardship in the months ahead.
The government has yet to announce specific measures in response to the sector's request for assistance.