Displaced fishermen and their families have extended their gratitude to the House joint panel for conducting a congressional hearing in Masinloc, to address their concerns and challenges related to the West Philippine Sea.
Iloilo Rep. Raul Tupas, vice chairman of the House Committee on National Defense, and senior deputy speaker, and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., who represented the House Special Committee on the West Philippine Sea, chaired by deputy majority leader and Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales II, said the hearing as instructed by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez provided a platform for the fishermen to voice their issues directly to public and lawmakers.
“Masaya kami na nandito ang mga opisyal mula sa national government,” said Noli Delos Santos, a fisherman from Brgy. Naulo, Zambales, after joining the congressional hearing attended by key House officials, who pledged to take immediate steps to support the affected fishermen.
Eriderio Quezada, a fisherman from Naulo, Zambales, shared similar sentiments, stating, “Nagpapasalamat kami na nakikinig sa aming mga ordinaryong mangingisda ang mga opisyal ng Kongreso. Dapat nating ipaglaban ang ating sariling dagat. Hindi kami makapalaot sa Scarborough dahil nauuna ang takot at pangamba na baka habulin na naman kami ng mga rubber boats ng China.”
The fisherfolk were unanimous in their resolve to collaborate with the government to address the pressing issues facing their communities.
They underscored the need to fight for the country’s sovereignty, providing the fishermen with larger fishing vessels to prevent displacement by foreign entities and increasing investment in alternative livelihood sources for the fishermen’s families, a House press release said.
Gonzales said the hearing was a testament to the government’s more inclusive and participatory approach that the House of Representatives will support under the leadership of Romualdez.
The hearing focused on the impact of territorial disputes on their livelihoods, safety concerns, and the need for sustainable support and solutions.
House leaders pointed out that the plight of fishermen was heard during the hearing, which provided them with the hope that meaningful actions would be implemented to address their problems.
They emphasized their commitment to working towards solutions in ensuring the fishing communities’ safety and well-being. ||
