IBA, Zambales -- Governor Amor Deloso on Thursday issued assurances provide alternative sources of livelihood to fishermen from the province, who are affected by the Scarborough Shoal issue.
The governor made the assurance as he attended a dialogue and consultative forum organized by the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) of the Philippine Army, along with the provincial government of Zambales and other government agencies, at the People's Park here.
Deloso said the exchange of ideas in the forum is good as all concerned can work together for a common good.
“Fishing is an important livelihood in Zambales and I have refused big industries along the coastline of the province to avoid destroying the livelihood of the fisherfolks,” he said.
Deloso said the provincial government will continue supporting the livelihood needs of the affected fishermen through the Provincial Fisheries Office, which assists them in generating alternative sources of income through projects.
Fishermen from this province appeared divided on reports of Chinese Coast Guards taking their catch at Scarborough Shoal in exchange for bottle of water, cigarettes or beer.
During the forum, fishermen narrated how the Chinese military manning Bajo de Masinloc took portions of their catch.
They asked the government to put a stop to the practice as it was depriving them of their hard-earned catch.
Roseller Latagen, 50, in an interview, said Chinese Coast Guard members took as much as PHP3,000 worth of their fish catch in exchange for two small bottles of mineral water.
Latagen claimed they are only allowed to fish near Scarborough Shoal for two to three months in a year while Chinese fishermen, who even destroy corals, are allowed to fish year round.
"What we were doing was just to go fishing near where we can only catch a few kilos just enough to feed (our) family," he said.
Angelico Pilon, a 72-year-old fisherman from Masinloc town, echoed Latagen's comment.
Pilon expressed hope the government can help them so they can be allowed inside the shoal to enable them to get bigger catch and also provide a refuge for fishermen during storms.
But there are also some fishermen who said the Chinese Coast Guard members are nice, kind and helpful.
Floro Delegencia, another fisherman from Masinloc, narrated how one time they went to Scarborough Shoal and Chinese Coast Guard members came on their boat and brought with them bottles of beer and cigarettes.
Commodore Nichols Driz, commander of the Naval Forces North Luzon (NFNL) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said the fishermen's complaints and suggestions will give the government an idea on how to best improve their services for the betterment of the plight of fishermen, especially those near Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.
He said closer interaction among the fishermen and other concerned government agencies like the Philippine Navy, the Coast Guard, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and local government units (LGUs) involved would help a lot in creating appropriate actions.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua on Wednesday assured that his government was investigating concerns raised by Filipino fishermen that the Chinese Coast Guard might forcibly take their catch the next time they fish at the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
Zhao assured there would be disciplinary action in accordance with their own regulations. (PNA)
