At least 20 fisherfolk in Cavite have temporarily stopped going to sea as soaring fuel prices continue to cripple their livelihood, with many reporting a month-long suspension of regular fishing operations.

In the report of RH Jecelle Ricafort, PAMALAKAYA-Cavite President Richard Catenza said small-scale fishers are no longer earning enough to sustain their operations after diesel prices surged by nearly 120 percent in March alone.

From a previous cost of around ₱560 per trip, fisherfolk now spend as much as ₱1,240 for 10 liters of diesel, with pump prices reaching ₱125 per liter. The sharp increase has forced some fishermen to seek alternative jobs, including construction work, to make ends meet.

The group also staged a protest against the continuous oil price hikes and the delayed rollout of government fuel subsidies.

PAMALAKAYA is calling for the removal of fuel taxes, which they say add about ₱20 per liter, and is urging authorities to provide immediate financial assistance of ₱15,000 to over two million registered fisherfolk.

The group stressed that the lack of timely support threatens not only their livelihood but also the country’s food security sector.