Pinoy fisherfolk trained in sustainable practices, maritime rights

Over 180 Filipino fisherfolk were trained in a United States-supported program to expand their knowledge on sustainable fishing practices and strengthen their ability to assert their maritime rights in the South China Sea.

- By PIA LEE-BRAGO

From June 2024 to May 2025, the fisherfolk from Zambales, Cagayan and Sulu participated in the program of the US embassy in Manila in partnership with IMPL-Project Philippines.

They joined a series of workshops under the embassy-sponsored "Empowering Coastal Communities in the Philippines" program, with trainers from the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. They learned about maritime law enforcement, the Philippines' sovereign maritime rights, strategies to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU fishing) and strengthening community information campaigns.