ABOUT

PAMALAYA-Pilipinas, a militant alliance of small fisherfolk, was established in 1987 to unite and empower the Filipino fisherfolk. With 9 regional chapters, 43 provincial chapters and over 80,000 individual members nationwide, PAMALKAYAPilipinas is the biggest federation of small fisherfolk in the country and remains a true champion of the interests of the small fisherfolk and the fisheries sector.

The Philippines, an archipelagic country, is abundant in marine and aquatic resources. The center of the center of marine biodiversity is found in the country. But, despite the rich fishing grounds, the Filipino fisherfolk remain the poorest sector in Philippine society. It is ironic that hunger and poverty is rampant in the sector considered as one of the biggest food producers in the country. Local and foreign capitalists control the fisheries sector and plunder the resources of Philippine waters while the small fisherfolk face ever worsening conditions. This bleak situation is aggravated by anti-fisherfolk and anti-people laws, programs and policies imposed by the government. So, the fisherfolk must unite and stand in solidarity with other oppressed sectors to break the chains of exploitation and oppression in the Philippines.