Several small fisherfolk in Alabel, Sarangani have expressed concern over the rising price of gasoline, which is affecting their fishing operations and livelihood.

A fisherman, Vicente Elorde, said the income from his catch is not enough to cover the eight liters of gasoline he used during the fishing trip on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, which he bought at around P70 per liter.

“Apektado gayud, mahal na kaau unya ang isda pwerting nihita. Unya ang among kuha igo ra gasolina ni,” Elorde said.

Fisherfolk said they may be forced to increase the price of fish to recover their expenses as the increase in fuel prices has significantly affected their livelihood.

According to the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist, the sudden increase in fuel prices was triggered by tensions in the Middle East, which caught the government unprepared.

However, the office said measures are now in place, including a pricing strategy to help fishermen avoid losses.

The office added that fisherfolk may unload their catch at the fish landing center where authorities gather data on fish volume and assist them in terms of pricing strategy to ensure that fishermen and public market vendors will not incur losses.

“Pwede nila i-unload dinhi sa fish landing center ug ginakuhaan natu na og data kung unsay volume ug ma-assisst natu in terms sa pricing strategy nga  dili sila malugi ug katung mga public market fish vendor natu nagapalit sa ilaha mamonitor nato closely ang buying price,” Office of the Municipal Agriculturist Head, Giselle Gestupa, said.

Licensed fisherfolk affected are also expected to receive fuel subsidies.

“Aside sa intervention sa DA through the BFAR, nga adunay fuel subsidy through voucher, nagaplano pud ang LGU nga katung active licensed banca operator nga tagaan pud sila og additional fuel subsidy,” Gestupa added.

Meanwhile, aside from rising fuel prices, fisherfolk also raised concerns over plans to relocate them from their usual fish landing area, as a seawall and cottages related to the local government’s ecotourism project are currently being built in the area.

Fisherfolk may be transferred to another location, which they fear could affect their fishing activities.

“Ang gusto namu sir stable ug dili nami mabalhin ug dili na pud mi mabutang og alanganin, gusto namu steady nga butanganan  kana mao ang ginapangayo namu,” Ladol Fishermen and Neighborhood Association President, Nelanie Sison, said.