THE provincial government of Zambales has taken a significant step to revitalize its fishing industry, turning over two 45-foot fishing boats worth P10 million to local fisherfolk cooperatives.
The initiative aims to sustain livelihoods, modernize fishing operations, and help the sector remain competitive in the face of challenges in the West Philippine Sea.
The boats, named FV Zambales III and FV Zambales IV, were officially handed over in a ceremony in Iba, Zambales, on Jan. 23, 2026, at the Coast Guard Substation in Barangay Amungan, Iba, Zambales.
These vessels will be operated by the Zambales Provincial Fisherfolks Association, which comprises 10 local fisherfolk cooperatives.
The boats will serve as ancillary vessels to gather catch from payaos — fish-aggregating devices anchored in the open sea to attract fish — helping increase the efficiency and volume of fish harvests.
Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. emphasized the provincial government’s commitment to supporting the fishing sector, which is a priority for his administration.
“The provincial government will continue to support you. We will continue to help develop the fishing sector in Zambales, which is a priority of this administration,” Ebdane assured the fishers during the turnover event.
Stoneworks Specialist International Corp. constructed the two fiberglass-hulled boats in its facility located at General Trias, Cavite.
Each is equipped with a 125-horsepower engine capable of reaching a maximum speed of 18 knots, providing a modern and reliable means for fisherfolk to access deeper fishing grounds and improve their catch.
In addition to the two new boats, the ceremony also marked the launch of the MV Province of Zambales, a patrol vessel that will operate in the waters off Zambales. This boat will help ensure maritime safety and protect the interests of local fisherfolk in the region.
The three vessels were procured through a livelihood assistance program of the Zambales Maritime Development Council (ZMDC), which was established in late 2024 to address the concerns of fishers in the West Philippine Sea and promote sustainable local fish production.
Over the past two years, the council has provided about P10.6 million worth of payaos to fishers cooperatives and facilitated training on modern fishing vessel operations and maritime safety, helping local fishers adapt to changing conditions and new technologies.
Looking ahead, ZMDC Head Domingo Mariano announced that two larger boats, FV Zambales I and FV Zambales II, are scheduled for delivery later this year.
These 92-foot and 100-foot vessels will serve as mother boats, capable of storing more fish and carrying ice to support smaller fishing boats, further enhancing the capacity and sustainability of the local fishing industry.
