The provincial government of Zambales is set to modernize its local fishing industry with the acquisition of an automated harvester vessel and a focused training program on new fishing technologies for local fisherfolk.
Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. announced that the province will procure a 96-foot steel-hulled harvester boat, complete with two reinforced fiberglass lightboats and a service vessel. The initiative, spearheaded by the Zambales Maritime Development Council (ZMDC), aims to strengthen the competitiveness of local fishers, particularly amid persistent challenges in accessing traditional fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The boats will be constructed by Stoneworks Specialist International Corp. in Cavite, known as the country’s largest fiberglass boat manufacturer. The vessels will be operated by members of the Zambales Provincial Fishery Association, a federation of local fisherfolk groups.
To complement the fleet’s arrival later this year, fisherfolk will undergo technical training on vessel operations through the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) in San Narciso. Two fisherfolk clusters have already completed training, with more expected to follow.
“Technology and skills development are essential. Our fishers need to evolve with the times to compete and survive,” Ebdane emphasized.
The governor, a long-time advocate for fisherfolk welfare, considers this modernization drive a strategic response to the WPS tensions, where Chinese militia vessels continue to block Filipino fishers from traditional areas.
“While the WPS issue has political and security dimensions, our focus remains on protecting the livelihood of our people,” Ebdane added.
Last year, ZMDC distributed ₱5 million worth of fish aggregating devices or payaos to 26 fisherfolk groups. Another ₱5.6 million in payaos will be distributed this year as part of the province’s continuing support for sustainable fish production.
For local leaders like Leonardo Cuaresma, president of the New Masinloc Fishermen’s Association, the harvester vessel represents a major leap forward.
“This kind of boat is new to us in Zambales. It’s steel-hulled and computerized—we really need to study how to use it properly,” he said.
Cuaresma added that the new vessel will reduce dependence on commercial operators, allowing fisherfolk to harvest from payaos directly.
“Our federation can now go out to sea without having to pay for the services of large boat owners. It’s a big step toward self-reliance,” he said.
The automated vessel is expected to increase productivity and reduce costs, positioning Zambales as a pioneer in regional fishery modernization while defending its coastal communities’ livelihoods.
