IBA, Zambales — The provincial government of Zambales is implementing concrete measures to sustain the livelihood of local fishermen amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. announced that the local government will initially distribute fish aggregating devices, or payao, valued at P1.8 million to affected fisherfolk. This is part of a larger P4.5-million fund aimed at boosting local fish harvests.
“We need tangible steps to help our people, even as we pursue diplomatic remedies for the West Philippine Sea issue. For us, the welfare of local fishermen is a priority, and so is food security,” Governor Ebdane said.
Ebdane, who previously served as Secretary of National Defense in 2007, explained that the payao project is not only designed to increase fish catches but also serves as a strategic measure to ensure that Zambales fishermen can safely continue their work at sea. This initiative reinforces the province’s assertion of ownership and control over its waters within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Historically, local fishermen have enjoyed abundant catches at the contested Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), located just 241 nautical kilometers west of Zambales. However, since 2012, this traditional fishing ground has been under de facto Chinese control.
Under the program, 20 units of payao will be provided to qualified fisherfolk organizations across the province to guarantee a steady fish catch, increase income from capture fisheries, and ensure a reliable supply of quality fish in the local market. The payaos will be installed within the 15-km municipal waters boundary but no closer than 10 km from the shoreline.
Governor Ebdane noted, “If the entire P4.5-million fund were allocated to payaos, we could install about 45 units. The anchor line, or the ropes that secure the payao to the anchor, could extend up to a kilometer and represents the most significant cost component.”
Edwin Domingo, head of the Fisheries Development Unit of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgO-FDU), which oversees the program, explained that each payao set—including labor expenses for fabrication, hauling, and installation—costs approximately P90,000. The payaos will be constructed and installed by the fisherfolk beneficiaries under the direct supervision of the PAgO-FDU, which will also conduct monthly monitoring of the project.
To date, 20 fisherfolk groups have been identified for participation in the payao program. These include one group in Subic; two each in the towns of San Antonio, San Narciso, Cabangan, Botolan, Palauig, and Candelaria; three in Iba; and four in San Felipe.
The payao initiative follows the formation of the Zambales Maritime Development Council (ZMDC) in July of last year—another of Governor Ebdane’s efforts to address fisherfolk concerns amid the West Philippine Sea challenge. The council comprises representatives from various fisherfolk groups in the province and has played a key role in coordinating local projects.
In addition to the payao project, Governor Ebdane has encouraged small-scale fishermen in Zambales to organize into cooperatives, enabling them to access financial and equipment assistance from the government. The ZMDC has also facilitated training seminars in collaboration with the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) on safety and survival at sea, as well as initiatives to combat marine pollution. These training activities aim to enhance the skills of local fisherfolk and contribute to the sustainability of the province’s fishing industry.