Fishing ban during ‘Balikatan’ strains livelihoods in Zambales

DOWNTIME In this photo taken on April 24, fishing boats are seen lined along the coast of Barangay San Miguel, San Antonio, Zambales, where many residents rely on the daily catch for their livelihood. Community members said that fishing restrictions during the Balikatan drills may disrupt incomes across the local economy. —JOANNA ROSE AGLIBOT

SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALES—For 69-year-old Ranny Agasa, a fisherman in Barangay San Miguel, the sea has been both a workplace and a lifeline since he was 10 years old.

But in recent years, he said that the rhythm of daily fishing has become increasingly uncertain, especially during large-scale military exercises that temporarily close fishing grounds off parts of this coastal town.

More coastal communities in Zambales are set to be affected by temporary sea restrictions as maritime and air defense drills under this year’s “Balikatan” exercises between the Philippines and the United States continue.

Safety protocols that will limit fishing and other beach-related activities will be implemented in waters covering 21 villages across six towns from April 26 to April 29.

“The impact is significant because fishermen, tricycle drivers and fish vendors all lose income, especially amid the fuel and diesel crisis. With prices so high, our fishermen are left with even fewer livelihood opportunities,” Agasa told the Inquirer.

Agasa, chair of the San Miguel Fishermen and Fish Workers Association, said that even a short suspension of fishing operations results in substantial income loss for families dependent on the daily catch.

“On the days fishing is prohibited, fishermen lose a significant amount of income. That’s four days,” he lamented.

He said that fishers typically earn P1,000 to P3,000 on good days, but rising fuel prices have already reduced their net income.

Fishers usually go out to sea in the late afternoon and return in the early morning or leave before dawn and return by mid-afternoon—routines that are disrupted during fishing bans.

“Hopefully, the government will show compassion amid the crisis. We hope fishermen can be helped, as the four-day Balikatan exercise is a major disruption,” Agasa said.

BREAK In this photo taken on April 24, fishing boats are seen lined along the coast of San Miguel, San Antonio, Zambales, where many residents rely on the daily catch for their livelihood. Community members said fishing restrictions during the Balikatan drills may disrupt incomes across the local economy. —JOANNA ROSE AGLIBOT

Ripple effect

For fish vendor Hilda Reyes, president of the San Miguel Fish Vendors, Inc. and a member of the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, the impact extends beyond those who go to sea.

“It has a big impact on fish vendors because they will have nothing to sell,” she said.

Reyes said that concerns have persisted since previous exercises, citing delays in assistance and incomplete distribution of aid.

“There were promises of cash assistance, but none has been given. Food packs are not enough for those affected. Where are the promises?” she asked.

Reyes also raised concerns about timing, noting that fishing bans during the peak summer season affect not only fishers but also vendors, transport workers and tourism-related livelihoods.

During summer, fishermen in the town maximize their fishing activities, especially for squid, which are more abundant during the season.

“Now there will again be Balikatan for several days and many cannot go out to sea. What happens to their only source of income?” she added.

Coordination

San Antonio Mayor Arvin Antipolo said that the local government is awaiting a formal coordination meeting with Balikatan organizers to better assess the scope of affected areas and prepare assistance for residents.

While expressing support for the exercises, he stressed the need for early coordination, noting the impact on fisherfolk, vendors, transport workers, tourism operators and resort businesses.

“We fully support it, but we want to know how our townmates will be affected so we can prepare support for our kababayans,” Antipolo said in a separate interview.

He added that the impact is expected to ripple across the local economy, as fishing, transport and tourism activities are closely linked.

With San Antonio a peak summer destination, officials also warned of possible disruptions to bookings, tours and beach activities.

For coastal families in Zambales, the recurring fishing restrictions highlight the balance between maritime security exercises and livelihood dependence on the sea.

While they recognize the importance of defense drills, fisherfolk and vendors are calling for clearer coordination, predictable schedules and stronger assistance mechanisms during temporary fishing bans.

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