Pangilinan warns of possible fish shortage amid presence of Chinese vessels in WPS

Senator Francis Pangilinan on Sunday warned of a possible fish shortage amid the presence of Chinese vessels in traditional Filipino fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea.

“May problema na tayo sa pork shortage. ‘Wag naman pati fish shortage dahil sigurado, pag nangyari ito, magmamahal din pati isda," Pangilinan said in a statement.

(We already have a pork shortage problem. Let’s not allow a fish shortage because for sure it will raise fish prices.)

“Mahirap magmahal ang pagkain, di lang heart-broken aabutin natin, kundi pati sakit ng sikmura,” he added.

(It's difficult that food prices would go high. One will not just be heartbroken, he might also experience hunger.)

Pangilinan cited the report about Zambales fisherfolk who blamed their dwindling catch due to the presence of at least 20 Chinese vessels anchored around 111 kilometers from San Antonio, Zambales.

According to the fishermen, they would normally earn as much as P4,000 per fishing trip, but they go back now empty-handed due to the scarcity in their catch.

Pangilinan, who is among the proponents of the proposed Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, urged the government to take immediate action on the threats to the Philippine territory and the possible fish shortage.

“As early as now, we should heed the warning of our fishermen on the issue of their dwindling catch. We are glad that the DFA takes this into account in their diplomatic protests,” he said.

Pangilinan also called on the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to step up and provide assistance to Filipino fishermen.

“The Department of Agriculture as a whole must prepare for contingency to avoid a fish shortage,” he said.

“Sa ganitong lagay, hindi na lang soberenya natin ang inaagaw ng China, ninanakawan din tayo ng kita at pagkain. Palaging lugi ang ating mga maliit na magsasaka at mangingisda. Sila na nga ang pinakamahirap, sila pa ang palaging agrabyado," he added.

(In this situation, China is not only violating our sovereignty, it is also robbing us of income and food. Small-scale farmers and fishermen are always on the losing end. They are the poorest and almost always taken advantage of.) — BM, GMA News