Fishers call for aid amid health impact of El Niño

MANILA, Philippines — Fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Friday called for fuel subsidies and economic aid for fisherfolk amid the possible adverse effects of El Niño.

In a statement, the group explained that fishing becomes more difficult and costly during the dry season because fish and other marine life tend to swim farther and deeper than usual to seek cooler temperatures.

“The movement of fishes during extreme heat is unusual. They move farther and deeper to avoid the hotter parts of the sea. That’s why fisherfolk have to go further and consume more fuel to catch fish,” Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said in Filipino.

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“With the continuing high prices of fuel, small fisherfolk would not be able to cope with this kind of changing situation,” he added.

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READ: Strong El Niño may drive up food, power costs in 2027

Threat of stroke, high blood

Another fishers’ group, Samahan ng Cabangaan 3 Fishermen’s Unity, also pointed out that fisherfolk may be vulnerable to heat, exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses given that they are exposed to the sun and high humidity while at sea.

“The upcoming super El Niño does not just affect the fish they catch. It is also a big threat to the health of the fishers. Our livelihood is literally being under the sun, that’s why we are not safe from various illnesses that could have resulted from the extremely hot weather,” said the group’s president, Roselyn Regalado.

“In our town alone, there are already many incidents of (fishers) suffering from heat stroke and high blood pressure in the middle of fishing. These incidents could not be addressed because of the lack of equipment and experience in first aid response,” she added.

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To address these concerns, Pamalakaya called for fuel subsidies to be provided for fisherfolk as well as other economic relief that can aid them while they are unable to go fishing.

The group also asked the government to provide first aid kits and conduct proper response training given the health risks that fishers may encounter while exposed to the sun at sea.

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“We have just returned to our livelihood after the southwest monsoon (“habagat”) that lasted for over three months. Fishers have yet to recoup their losses given the high prices of fuel. Now, we will be facing a damaging El Niño,” said Hicap.

“If the government does not have a concrete and comprehensive response, the production of agriculture and fisheries will surely fall,” he added. /cb