MANILA, Philippines – The two-year tuna fishing ban in the Pacific Ocean is hurting not just fishing companies in General Santos, but also their affected workers.
 
Pajotagana Erand was a former fishing vessel captain of the Damalerio Fishing Company.

Because of the ban, more than 40 fishing boats and fish carriers owned by the company now sit idle at the dry dock. Erand’s job too was affected. Now, he works as a maintenance crew of the company.

“Sa akin lang, di na ako lilipat, dito na ako nagsimula. Dito na lang ako hanggang sa maibalik ang operasyon," said Erand.

Like Erand, Wenefredo Dimo is also working as a maintenance crew after tuna operations stopped.

"Samahan na lang. Naiintindihan ko rin ang kumpanya na walang income," Dimo said.

Despite a temporary stop to their tuna fishing operation, the company tried to provide jobs to many of its workers. From 800, the company cut down to more than a half of its workforce. They also slashed their workers’ daily salary of P400-P600 to P245 daily.

“Ang gusto ko lang iparating sa ibang fishing companies na huwag na natin gamitin ang pride natin. Magtulungan na tayo kung paano, kahit yung local government malapitan natin para matulungan tayong lahat,” said Grace Damalerio Guevarra, the company’s human resources manager.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) came to their aid and gave the company a check, half of the P900,000 assistance, last Friday as its way to aid those affected by the tuna fishing ban.

For one month, DOLE will shoulder 60% (P145) of the P245 daily allowance of the workers.

This short-term solution will be followed by a series of livelihood training programs.

Fourteen other companies have been affected by the tuna fishing ban. Of the 1,200 affected workers, 207 benefited from the help offered by DOLE. Reports from Chat Ansagay, ABS-CBN General Santos and Bandila