Looking out for Fisherpersons

How do you seek the good of others?

Fisherpersons in Cebu City are decreasing in number. Most of them use “sakayan” (non-motorized bancas) and pump boats, not large fishing boats. Many of them do not fish full time anymore; instead, they find other ways to earn a living. Their children are pursuing other professions. How do you seek the good of the people in this dwindling sector? Gina Desamparado, head of Cebu City's Bantay Dagat, shares how she looks after fisherpersons based in Cebu City.

As part of my commitment to the fisherfolk community, I help them to get organized, disciplined, and united. I started by facilitating the election of officers within each group to establish proper leadership, coordination, and communication among members. I also helped them to set up their own cooperative. This gave them opportunities to improve their livelihood and access government assistance, training programs, and financial opportunities.

We also helped them enroll in PhilHealth’s Yakap program so they and their families would have access to health care and social services.

I help fisherfolk register themselves, their fishing boats, bancas, and fishing gears with the city government of Cebu, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and the Philippine Coast Guard. We need to make sure that their fishing operations comply with existing laws, maritime safety regulations, and proper fisheries management policies.

We facilitated their Basic Life Support (BLS) Training. In emergencies, they would know what to do.

Moreover, we’ve helped fisherfolk access various livelihood programs which strengthen their community encourage sustainable development.

I believe that by doing these things, I can help improve the lives of fisherfolk and provide them with better opportunities for the future. Through continuous support, guidance, and empowerment, I hope to contribute to a stronger, safer, and more sustainable fisherfolk community for the next generation.

How can you show appreciation for our fishermen?

Miss Gina Desamparado may be reached at en.en.desamparado@gmail.com.