SEAFDEC/AQD Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center | Aquaculture Department
PASAY City — SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department Chief Dan Baliao expressed support for Senate Bill No. 522, also known as the Municipal Fisherfolk Protection Act, during a hearing at the Philippine Senate on 18 February 2026.
Speaking before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, Chief Baliao said the proposed bill is a “vital legislative shield” for the livelihood of subsistence fishers whom he referred to as “the country’s most vulnerable food producers.”
The Senate bill reinforces the 15-kilometer municipal zone for small-scale fishers and upholds statutory provisions for preferential access of municipal fisherfolk under the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (Republic Act No. 8550).
Stricter Environmental Protections Urged
While expressing full institutional support for the bill’s objective, Baliao raised concerns on Section 7, which proposes amendments to Section 18 of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
The current provision allows small- and medium-scale commercial fishing within the 10–15 kilometer zone in waters not less than seven fathoms (approximately 12.8 meters) deep.
Baliao cautioned that such depth remains within ecologically sensitive areas, where coral reefs and seagrass beds function as vital nursery grounds.
“SEAFDEC/AQD recommends aligning the provision with other scientific proposals such as the Senate Bill No. 432, which sets the threshold at 20 fathoms or 36.5 meters,” Baliao added.
Increasing the depth limit to 20 fathoms ensures commercial vessels operate seaward of ecologically sensitive shallow-water areas and do not disrupt the nursery grounds essential within the core municipal fishing zone closer to shore.
Moreover, the Chief welcomed the requirement of the bill for scientific and technical assessments, along with socioeconomic impact evaluations, prior to authorizing commercial fishing within municipal waters. — NA Ebojo
Photos from Kiko Pangilinan Facebook page
