Fisherfolk in the Philippines

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR),

through the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project, successfully

conducted from September 15-16, 2026, the Women fiSHEr Congress 2026, the country’s

first-ever national congress dedicated to women in fisheries at Sequoia Hotel in Quezon

City.

With the theme “Kababaihan, Lakas ng Pangisdaan!”, the two-day event gathered women

fisherfolk from the 11 FishCoRe-project covered regions, government officials, fisheries

organizations, and other stakeholders to recognize women’s vital contributions and

strengthen their participation in sustainable fisheries management, livelihoods, and

community resilience.

Coinciding with the 2026 Fish Conservation Week, the congress underscores the

importance of inclusive participation in protecting and sustaining the country’s fisheries

and aquatic resources. It highlights women’s essential roles not only in fisheries-based

livelihoods, but also in promoting responsible resource use, conservation, and resilient

coastal communities.

Recognizing Women’s Role in Philippine Fisheries

Women are an essential part of the country’s fisheries sector, contributing across the

fisheries value chain—from capture fisheries and aquaculture to gleaning, fish vending,

processing, and other fisheries-related activities.

Based on the BFAR FishR (Municipal Fisherfolk Registration System), 764,708 women

fisherfolk are registered nationwide as of May 2026. The figure underscores the significant

presence of women in the fisheries sector and the importance of ensuring that their

contributions, perspectives, and needs are reflected in fisheries programs, policies, and

decision-making.

For the government, empowering women is integral to building resilient

fisheries-dependent communities and advancing sustainable fisheries.

“Women are not only partners in fisheries—they are fishers, entrepreneurs, leaders,

and stewards of our aquatic resources. When we empower women, we strengthen

families, communities, and the entire fisheries sector,” said Department of Agriculture

Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

A National Platform for Women in Fisheries

The Women FiSHEr Congress provided a platform for women fisherfolk to exchange

knowledge and experiences, showcase successful initiatives, strengthen enterprises, and

explore financing and other support opportunities.

A key outcome of the congress was the formulation of a Congress Resolution articulating

shared priorities and commitments to advance the role, welfare, and meaningful

participation of women fisherfolk in the fisheries sector.

The congress also featured various activities that offer platforms for learning, enterprise

promotion, creative expression, and cultural celebration:

● The Plenary Sessions focused on key issues affecting women in fisheries, including

sustainable fisheries management, resilient livelihoods, and gender-responsive

approaches under the FishCoRe Project.

● The Women Fisher Trade Fair showcased women-led fisheries products and

enterprises, promoting their skills, innovation, and market opportunities.

● The FishCoRExhibit featured sculptures and creative works highlighting sustainable

fisheries and aquatic resource management.

● The Poster-Making Contest amplified stories and perspectives on women’s roles

and contributions to the sector.

● The Coastal Culture Show celebrated the culture, creativity, and talent of women

and coastal communities through performances and costumes made from

sustainable, environment-friendly materials, reinforcing the importance of marine

and coastal resource conservation.

Advancing Gender-Responsive and Resilient Fisheries

The Women FiSHEr Congress is anchored on the recognition that sustainable fisheries

management cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of women.

As the country highlights the importance of fish conservation during the same week, the

congress provides an opportunity to reinforce a shared message: protecting fisheries

resources and sustaining the communities that depend on them require the knowledge,

participation, and leadership of women.

Through the congress, BFAR and FishCoRe aim to strengthen women’s access to knowledge,

livelihood opportunities, financing, networks, and decision-making spaces, enabling them to

contribute more effectively to sustainable fisheries and resilient coastal communities.

The Women FiSHEr Congress 2026 marks a significant step in giving greater visibility and

voice to women fisherfolk nationwide. Through this first-ever national congress, BFAR and

FishCoRe affirm that women are not only participants in Philippine fisheries—they are

leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, resource stewards, and vital partners in building a

sustainable and resilient fisheries sector.