Fishers slam gov’t on subsidies

ANGELES CITY — Fisherfolk from coastal towns in Bataan and Zambales blamed the Arroyo administration for their worsening plight, saying that their government subsidy has been reduced to a pittance of only P7 for every three million fishermen in the country.

The fisherfolk staged a protest rally in Mendiola, Manila the other day, bringing with them a damaged boat, a dilapidated gas lamp and torn fishing nets to symbolize their plight.

Pablo Rosales, national chairman of the Progresibong Alyansa ng Mangingisda sa Pilipinas (Pangisda), said the rally was timed with the Fish Conservation Week. — Ding Cervantes