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National Fisherfolks Day – May 31, 2024

National Fisherfolk Day is a holiday celebrated annually on May 31, in the Phillippines. On this day, Filipinos all across the country get together to show their appreciation for those who are on the frontline of fishing and also those who have pledged to keep fishing sustainable, fighting against illegal practices within the community. Because the Philippines has an important fishing market, this day also brings awareness to the relevance of fisherfolk to the country’s economy.

History of National Fisherfolks Day

Since 2000, National Fisherfolk Day is celebrated annually across the Philippines. It was through the Presidential Proclamation 261 series that the holiday became a federal celebration. The event’s goal is to bring awareness to the work done by thousands of people every day in the country. Since fishing is one of the main economical contributions to the Philippines, fisherfolk are responsible for providing food not only for their own families but for the entire country.

Not only that, but the holiday has, since 2015, also celebrated the sustainable actions taken by the government to prevent illegal practices and unregulated fishing within the coastal regions of the Philippines. There had been issues regarding illegal activities in the fishing market for a long time and in 2002 fisherfolk from eight different alliances came together to form the Fisherfolk Movement of the Philippines. The group demanded better regulations in the trade market, stronger policies regarding sustainable practices, and more unity among all small producers and fisherfolk in the country.

In 2005, this group promoted a “fluvial parade”, in which fisherfolk protested in Hong Kong at a World Trade Organization meeting. Another similar movement happened again in 2006. However, it was only in 2015, under the government of Benigno Aquino III, that the government finally took action and regulated the fishing market to have better conditions and better contain illegal practices with the Republic Act 10654.

National Fisherfolks Day timeline

2000
The First National Fisherfolk Day

The very first National Fisherfolk Day is celebrated on May 31.

2002
Founding of the Fisherfolk Movement

The Fisherfolk Movement of the Philippines is founded in Cebu City.

2005
The Fluvial Parade

The Fisherfolk Movement of the Philippines promotes a fluvial rally at a meeting in Hong Kong.

2015
The Move to Better Conditions

Former president Benigno Aquino III signs the Republic Act 10654, better regulating the fishing market.

National Fisherfolks Day FAQs

Why are fisherfolks important?

These are the people who collect fish for their community. Also, their fishery accounts for a good portion of the economy in certain regions.

Is the Phillippines rich in fish?

Yes! The Philippines produces and exports most of the production of fish in the entire world. The country is in the top 10 producers of fish.

What are the marine resources in the Phillippines?

The Philippines is full of beaches, coral reefs, and fisheries; it has a huge variety of coastal resources.

How to Observe National Fisherfolks Day

  1. Thank fisherfolk

    If anyone you know works within the field of the fishing market, take the time to thank them. It can be through a small text message or even a gift card. It’s up to you.

  2. Go fishing

    How about finding a place where you can legally and safely go fishing? Many places allow you to fish in legal and sustainable ways. Make sure it’s nice and quiet and don’t forget to check the weather forecast for the day.

  3. Attend an event

    Annually, there are events to showcase the latest achievements of fisherfolk within the fishing market in the Philippines. Even if you don’t live in the country, you can attend online events promoted by different networks.

5 Exciting Facts About The Philippines

  1. It has many islands

    The Philippines is an archipelago comprising over 7,500 islands.

  2. The text capital of the world

    Filipinos send about 400 million text messages in a day.

  3. It’s all about politeness

    Filipinos are known for being some of the most polite people in the world who are also incredibly warm.

  4. Home of the yo-yo

    The person who named and patented the toy for the first time was a Filipino businessman, named Pedro Flores.

  5. There are more volcanoes than cities

    One of the islands that form part of the Philippines archipelago is Camiguin which has more volcanoes than towns.

Why National Fisherfolks Day is Important

  1. It promotes sustainability

    There’s nothing better than celebrating our planet. To be sustainable is to show love to the earth, promote better lifestyle choices, and have more contact with Mother Nature.

  2. It promotes legal fishing

    We love it when people can work safely within the field that they love most. By promoting legal fishing, this holiday also ends up promoting better work conditions for fisherfolk.

  3. It puts fisherfolk in the spotlight

    How many times a year do we actually take the time to appreciate the work of fisherfolk? This day gives them the spotlight at least once and we get to show them all of our love.

National Fisherfolks Day dates

YearDateDay
2024May 31Friday
2025May 31Saturday
2026May 31Sunday
2027May 31Monday
2028May 31Wednesday

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