VOLUME 9 I ISSUE 2 I AUG.2024 -feb. 2025
Mawad-an gid kami na!
Ang mga bata namon paano nalang na? Ang amon adlawadlaw nga [kinahanglanon] dira malang nakasalalay, sa diri, sa baybay -Wilma Chavez, a 51-year-old fisherfolk lamented. Echoing a community’s worth of grievances, Chavez, a local fisherfolk of Silay City’s Sitio Roma in Brgy. Balaring voices her fears amid the looming threat of commercial fishing vessels washing over municipal waters.
The waves that once brought life to her coastal community now carry the weight of uncertainty following the Supreme Court ruling last December 19, 2024, in favor of nullifying the preferential access of small fishers within the 15-kilometer municipal water zone, previously guaranteed under Republic Act No. 8550, or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998. “Ang tendency madulaan kami ya, madulaan gid kami ya sang pangabuhian,” Chavez continued, noting that while no sightings of large fishing vessels have been reported in the city, the impending threat remains a concern for local fisherfolk..
John Rhey Flores
--Read More on page 5--
DRIFTING DREAMS. Renante Abellar, 46, father of 4 children, among the 500 families in Silay, in danger of losing their livelihood as a recent supreme court nullified the preferential access of small fishers within the 15-kilometer municipal water zone. John Rhey Flores
NATIONAL NEWS
PH fleet strengthens readiness in West PH Sea Joyce Angel Gonzales
The Philippine Fleet, one of the commands of the Philippine Navy, has intensified efforts to enhance its operational readiness by conducting unilateral and gunnery exercises in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), reinforcing its ability to respond to security threats and humanitarian crises on March 11. The Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Jose Rizal (FF150), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), and BRP Tarlac (LD601) participated in the drills, executing maneuvering and radio communication exercises. The FF150 and PS16 also performed live fire drills near Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), demonstrating precision and combat readiness.
(HADR), strengthening the nation’s maritime security posture in the WPS. The exercises have sparked discussions on national security and sovereignty, with many emphasizing their importance in protecting “The 1st Philippine Fleet Philippine waters. Unilateral Exercises 2025 officially “The Philippine Fleet’s exercises commenced, showcasing an in the West Philippine Sea demonstrate exceptional display of coordination, a strong commitment to national precision, and strategic agility,” the defense and sovereignty, especially Fleet said in a statement. given the ongoing territorial disputes The exercises emphasized the in the region,” Doña Monserrat Philippine Navy’s commitment to maintaining operational effectiveness Lopez Memorial High School Araling in territorial defense and humanitarian Panlipunan teacher Rosalie De La Serna stated. assistance and disaster response
These drills not only enhance the Navy’s operational readiness but also send a clear message about the country’s
resolve...
in protecting its maritime rights,” she added. Students have also voiced their thoughts on the significance of the drills, recognizing their role in strengthening national security. “I believe these exercises are not just necessary, it’s a must. Since the WPS is still a source of tension, these drills show the PH’s commitment to defending its territory. To protect our rights, these measures are required,” fellow Monserratian Wilfredo Prado Jr. echoed.*