The FFSAPI-SARGEN Handline Fisheries Improvement Project conducted a two-day consultation workshop on March 11-12, 2025, with commercial and municipal handline vessel owners and fishers. The workshop focused on the development of key social policies, a grievance mechanism, and an age verification process. Opening messages from leaders of FFSAPI, SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries Inc., SARGEN Fish Port Tuna Handline Fishing Association and the Department of Labor and Employment Region XII emphasized the importance of labor rights and social protection in the handline tuna sector. DOLE Region XII also presented Department Order 156-15, providing the labor policy framework relevant to the fishery industry.
The consultation workshop facilitated by project partners engaged participants in in-depth discussions on various social policy topics including the representatives from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region XII and from City Agriculture’s Office-LGU Gensan. On the first day, vessel owners and fishers provided input on policies addressing abuse and harassment, human trafficking and forced labor, child labor, anti-discrimination, and the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining. Participants actively shared their experiences and raised concerns about working conditions, which informed the discussions on developing appropriate social safeguards for handline fishers.
On the second day, the workshop centered on establishing a grievance mechanism tailored for the sector and a process for age verification among municipal fishers to ensure compliance with labor standards. The consultation concluded with a call for collaboration and continued stakeholder engagement to enhance labor conditions and ensure responsible fishing practices in the region. The event highlighted the commitment of both industry players and regulatory bodies to strengthen social protections for handline fishers under the FFSAPI-SARGEN Handline FIP.
