Navotas fisherfolk rally against demolition and reclamation to save their livelihoods

Fisherfolk from Navotas have been rallying against demolition and reclamation to save their livelihoods, namely farming and selling mussels or tahong.

According to an episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," 5,000 mussel farms have already been destroyed using backhoes. Thousands of families stand to be affected by the demolition.

To investigate the current situation, Jessica Soho went to Navotas, the Fishing Capital of the Philippines.

Mussels have been a product the area has been known for since the '70s. The townsfolk have created popular variations such as steamed tahong, tahong gourmet, and tahong chips. 

However, things have been falling apart due to modernization and urbanization.

'Tutulan! Labanan! Huwag pahintulutan!'

The mussel farms in Barangay Sipac-Almacen started getting demolished in March.

Mang Rommel serves as the leader of the fisherfolk who have been protesting.

"Pinoprotesta namin ang aming binubunot na aming pangkabuhayan," he said.

["We are fighting for our livelihood that's being taken away from us."]

Fisherman Tatay Budoy said that the backhoes have been in their area for a while. 

He said he used to have 370 anahaw trees but is now left with 50. Tatay Budoy shared that he used to be able to harvest 15 to 20 tubs of mussels which he could sell for around P1,500.

Resident Cheryl is likewise heartbroken. She said that she invested P47,000 to start 60 tahong farms. She would order anahaw, ropes, nets, and bamboo for the business. After the harvest, Cheryl would earn up to P126,000.

After the demolition, however, she and her fellow fisherfolk barely earn any income.

The demolitions have taken a heavy toll on the locals, with Lydia's husband, Rodrigo, enduring immense struggles.

"'Pagsisid po niya, nakita ng mga kasama 'yung pinsan ko na nakatihaya na doon sa ilalim. E 'di inangat nila. Pag-angat nila, may dugo na ang tenga, may dugo na ang ilong kaya tinakbo nila dito sa tabi. Pagdating dito sa tabi, tinakbo nila sa Navotas Hospital. Pagdating d'yan, wala na po, 'yun lang po talaga," Lydia said.

["When he dove, his companions discovered him unconscious. As they lifted him, blood streamed from his ears and nose. They rushed him to the hospital, but it was too late."]

Lydia said that Rodrigo went to the area to get ahead of the demolition, and he was not able to harvest that day.

She added, "Paano daw pag 'yung tahungan 'pag nawala? Paano daw ako? Kasi 'yun lang talaga ang inaasahan namin. Kasi may sakit pa po ako. 'Yun lang, dalawa lang po kami. Wala po talagang maghahanapbuhay sa akin. Paano naman po ako ngayon?"

["He would worry about how we would survive, especially since we rely on the mussel farms for our livelihood. It used to be just the two of us. Now that he's gone, what am I going to do?"]

Government actions

According to the report, the local government has started a program for fisherfolk affected by the demolitions. One program is called TUPAD, wherein townspeople can opt to sweep the streets for only 10 days and earn P6,000. After two years, they can apply to the program again.

They also allow P5,000 to P10,000 loans.

In 2018, the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) approved the Navotas Coastal Bay Reclamation Project (NCBRP). This project houses mussel farms in a 650-hectare property, and it is said that this will be developed as a gateway for the New Manila International Airport being constructed in Bulacan.

However, in 2023, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. halted all reclamation projects in Manila Bay which includes the NCBRP.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources subsequently conducted a cumulative impact assessment in Navotas to examine the long-term effects of NCBRP. Following this assessment, the project was given the green light just this year.

Cheryl shared that the NCBRP and the Navotas LGU initially coordinated with the farmers who may get affected by the project in 2022.

At first, they felt reassured since they were told that their area would not be affected. But that all changed in March.

An order from the Supreme Court has come out stating that they will completely remove the fishing structures and clean up Manila Bay to make it suitable for leisure activities.

As a result, a large portion of the farms have already been taken from the fisherfolk.

The townspeople have also spoken to the mayor, but said that they have never gotten a proper answer.

In a statement sent to "KMJS," the Navotas LGU said that they had already had several meetings with the farm owners and explained the laws that involve caring for the Manila Bay.

"Taong 2022 naman nang 'di na tayo tumanggap ng kahit anong business permit application, bago man o renewal," they said. "Samakatuwid, simula 2022, lahat ng mga tahungan at baklad sa bahagi ng Manila Bay na sakop ng Navotas ay ilegal na at tumatakbo nang walang permit."

["In 2022, we ceased accepting all business permit applications, including both new permits and renewals. Consequently, as of 2022, all fish pens and fish cages in the Manila Bay area within Navotas are considered illegal, operating without proper permits."]

The LGU added that they allowed the fisherfolk to continue their work in 2022 to earn back the income they lost during the pandemic. They were also given opportunities to voluntarily remove their farming structures.

They highlighted their programs like TUPAD, free NavoBangka, free TESDA skills training, livelihood grants, and job referrals to other companies.

According to a legal counsel, the LGU has the right to demolish if a structure is illegal. However, under state laws, the government is obligated to care for the area and locals also have the choice to accept their assistance.

A representative from the National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organizations or PAMALAKAYA Pilipinas said that reclamation projects have irreversible impacts to both livelihood and the ecosystem.

"Ang panawagan natin, matagal ng panahon, itigil na 'yung reclamation at ibang pang mapanirang mga proyekto sa ating mga coastal area. Dahil hindi talaga nito in-estabilize para matiyak natin 'yung food supply and sustainable supply at abot kaya ng mamamayang Pilipino," he said.

["We call to stop the reclamation and other destructive projects in our coastal areas. These projects don't stabilize our food supply and do not provide sustainable and accessible food for the Filipino people."]

"Ang gusto natin ay manatili ang ating pangisdaan na source ng livelihood ng mga mangingisda at source ng pagkain ng mga mamamayang Pilipino," they added.

["What we want is for our fishing grounds to remain a source of livelihood and source of food for the Filipinos."]

—JCB, GMA Integrated News