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Advocates Philippines
Philippine Coast Guard And BFAR Launch Floating Fish Device Operation To Support Local Fishermen In The West Philippine Sea
Photo credit: PCG
In a united effort to strengthen support for Filipino fishermen and reinforce the country’s maritime presence, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have successfully completed a three-day Floating Aggregate Device (FAD) laying operation in the waters surrounding Hasa Hasa and Kanduli Shoals.
The operation, carried out in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader push for more responsive and inclusive government services, led to the deployment of 20 FADs in key fishing areas identified in consultation with local communities. These devices are designed to help improve fish catch, ensuring more productive trips for fishermen while supporting food security in the country.
What made this mission particularly notable was the active involvement of local Filipino fishing vessels, which worked closely with authorities to deploy the devices—an encouraging sign of community cooperation and shared ownership of national initiatives.
This initiative is also part of the Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) program, a government-led campaign to provide sustainable and affordable access to fish, while recognizing the vital role of fishermen in the nation’s economy.
Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Commandant of the PCG, oversaw the deployment of three 44-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels, while BFAR Director Elizer S. Salilig mobilized the PCG-manned BFAR vessel 5001 and the MV Mamalakaya. Together, they pushed forward with the mission despite interference from four China Coast Guard vessels. These attempts to disrupt the deployment were met with calm resolve, as PCG radio operators and crew conducted their duties with professionalism and a firm commitment to maintaining the country’s maritime presence.
As the Philippines continues to assert its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, the collaboration between the PCG, BFAR, and the fishing community stands as a strong example of unity and resilience. The mission underscores the government’s dedication to protecting the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen and supporting the President’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas—one that is secure, self-sufficient, and inclusive.
The operation, carried out in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader push for more responsive and inclusive government services, led to the deployment of 20 FADs in key fishing areas identified in consultation with local communities. These devices are designed to help improve fish catch, ensuring more productive trips for fishermen while supporting food security in the country.
What made this mission particularly notable was the active involvement of local Filipino fishing vessels, which worked closely with authorities to deploy the devices—an encouraging sign of community cooperation and shared ownership of national initiatives.
This initiative is also part of the Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) program, a government-led campaign to provide sustainable and affordable access to fish, while recognizing the vital role of fishermen in the nation’s economy.
Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Commandant of the PCG, oversaw the deployment of three 44-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels, while BFAR Director Elizer S. Salilig mobilized the PCG-manned BFAR vessel 5001 and the MV Mamalakaya. Together, they pushed forward with the mission despite interference from four China Coast Guard vessels. These attempts to disrupt the deployment were met with calm resolve, as PCG radio operators and crew conducted their duties with professionalism and a firm commitment to maintaining the country’s maritime presence.
As the Philippines continues to assert its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, the collaboration between the PCG, BFAR, and the fishing community stands as a strong example of unity and resilience. The mission underscores the government’s dedication to protecting the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen and supporting the President’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas—one that is secure, self-sufficient, and inclusive.
Jun 18, 2025
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