US allocates $7.5 million to help PH combat illegal fishing

MANILA – The US Office of the Vice President on Tuesday stated that the United States will allot an additional assistance worth USD7.5 million to help the Philippines combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU).

During her historic visit to Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on November 22, US Vice President Kamala Harris will make the announcement and “recommit” to the US’ alliance with the Philippines.

Under the condition of anonymity, a US official stated in a backgrounder sent by the US Office of the Vice President that Harris’ trip shows Washington D.C.’s solidarity with the Philippines in “upholding the international rules-based order” in the South China Sea.

“(VP Harris is going to Palawan to demonstrate) that we stand with the people of Palawan – and the Philippine people – whose lives and livelihoods are affected when the international rules and norms are violated, and our commitment to address the climate crisis and support coastal communities adapt,” the official said.

Palawan is the province nearest to the South China Sea, a resource-rich sea lane contested by multiple states and a hotspot for IUU fishing.

Apart from strengthening capacity and capabilities against IUU, the new funding would also help maritime law enforcement agencies improve maritime domain awareness and provide search and rescue support.

“Her message is essentially that: to protect lives and livelihoods, we must protect international rules and norms,” the US official said. “[S]he’ll make the case that we’ll continue to rally the world against unlawful and irresponsible behavior. And in doing so, we’re committing to protect the economic vitality of communities in the Philippines and the ecosystems they rely on,” the official added. 

Harris will also visit the fishing village of Tagburos, from which almost half of Puerto Princesa’s fish supply originates.