Fish cages used for milkfish (bangus) production dot the waters off Punta Dumalag in Matina Aplaya, Davao City, where mariculture provides livelihood for local fisherfolk and contributes to the city’s fish supply.
The fish-farming community faces potential challenges from a strong to very strong El Niño, which the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) expects to persist into the first quarter of 2027, with its effects possibly extending through the first half of the year.
The House of Representatives has assured the public that the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 includes measures to help farmers and fisherfolk cope with the weather phenomenon.
The House-approved spending plan includes P10 billion in assistance for farmers and fisherfolk and P4.96 billion for farm-to-market roads.