Fishing ban: 35,000 workers to lose jobs

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 35,000 workers in the fishing and canning industry will lose their jobs in the next three months with the implementation of the closed fishing season.

At the Laging Handa public briefing yesterday, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Zamboanga peninsula director Roy Buenafe said these workers would be displaced starting Dec. 1.

“Apart from the canning and fishing industry, other allied industries will be affected... The informal sector will also be affected if they belong to those related to the fishing and canning industry,” Buenafe said.

He said the DOLE activated its emergency employment program under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD.

“We want to help ease the burden of being jobless for three months by providing them one month’s worth of salary,” Buenafe said.

He said the affected workers can engage in farming activities at the economic zones in the region or work in identified farms of cooperatives.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources  (BFAR) said the closed fishing season aims to allow fish to spawn and repopulate.

The closed season for sardines fishing in Zamboanga peninsula is implemented from Dec. 1 to March 1 every year.

In an administrative circular, BFAR said sardine fishing in East Sulu Sea, Basilan Strait and Sibuguey Bay is prohibited during the period.