“We barely earn anything anymore … Costs are so high, but we can’t raise our prices,” she said.
“We’ve had to think of ways to at least save a bit. We learned to use firewood to keep earning, because what we make isn’t enough anymore. Otherwise, all of our income would just go to gas.”
Higher prices for liquefied petroleum gas, commonly used for cooking, have added to the burden.
GOVERNMENT AID FALLS SHORT, SAY COMMUNITIES
The Philippine government has introduced support measures, including one-time fuel subsidies of under US$50 for more than 15,000 registered fishermen.
A broader 10 billion Philippine peso cash assistance programme is also expected to reach around 400,000 beneficiaries.
Officials say additional measures are in place.
“Aside from the fuel assistance, there are other regular interventions that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is implementing to ensure that our fisherfolk are being assisted in terms of their livelihood,” said Nazario Briguera, spokesperson for the agency.
He added that fishing technologies are being promoted to help reduce operating costs.
But many fishing communities say the assistance is not enough to offset the rise in expenses.