Upon President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, two government agencies launched the “Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” (KBBM) Program to support West Philippine Sea (WPS) fishermen with livelihood aid, including fuel and ice subsidies.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the KBBM, launched by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFA), was inspired by the Kadiwa program for Filipino farmers.

It is also in line with President Marcos’ directive to promote food security and maritime development in the West Philippine Sea.

“Magbibigay rin ito ng subsidiya sa krudo at yelo bilang tulong sa mga mangingisdang nahihirapan sa transportasyon at iba pang gastusin,” Castro said.

“Sa KBBM, sama-sama nating itinataas ang dangal ng mangingisdang Pilipino, habang pinangangalagaan ang yaman ng ating karagatan para sa kinabukasan ng buong bayan, para ito sa Bagong Pilipinas,” she added.

Castro said that during the first deployment in Bajo de Masinloc on May 9, the government-owned fish carrier M/V Mamalakaya bought 20.3 tons of fresh catch directly from the fishermen and brought the fish straight to the fish port.

Citing PCG reports, Castro said the KBBM program initially benefited 120 fishermen aboard 11 fishing vessels during its launch.

Castro said the program aims to empower Filipino fishermen who continue to venture into the WPS by directly purchasing their fresh catch and providing critical support, such as fuel and ice, to reduce their operational costs.

Castro said the Marcos administration will continue the KBBM while Filipino fishing vessels are in the West Philippine Sea. | PND