30 January 2025 — Western Philippines University (WPU) has released an official statement expressing its support in upholding the constitutionality of ‘Municipal Waters’ in the country and its provinces, as posted on the university’s Facebook page.

The university has reiterated its stand with the small-scale fisherfolks in the ongoing Supreme Court case concerning the constitutionality of the 15-kilometer municipal waters provision under Republic Act No. 8550, the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

The social media post reads: “Western Philippines University (WPU), a state university and Center of Excellence in Fisheries, is one with our beneficiaries, partner communities, and fisherfolks all over the Palawan Province and the entire Philippines in advocating for the constitutionality of the 15-kilometer coastline reserved for our small municipal fisherfolks. Our research, innovation, and extension activities have focused on these segments of our community in order to help underprivileged fisherfolks improve their quality of life. Under the law, commercial fishing is not allowed within the fifteen (15)-kilometer area from the shoreline, which WPU believes to be rooted in the handicap of our small fisherfolks in our coastal communities—that the law reserves such fishing grounds for their food and livelihood.

With the present challenge the law now faces before the Supreme Court in G.R. Nos. 256282, 256559, and 257049, WPU joins our fisherfolks in calling for the upholding of the constitutionality of “municipal waters” under RA 8550 and maintaining the exclusivity of the 15-kilometer area from the shoreline for our small fisherfolks.”

WPU has reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights of small fisherfolks in Palawan and across the country. The university emphasized that municipal waters should remain exclusively designated for small-scale fisherfolks to sustain their livelihoods and food security.

Under existing laws, commercial fishing is prohibited within the 15-kilometer zone from the shoreline to prevent resource exploitation and ensure equitable access for small fisherfolks. The provision aims to protect underprivileged coastal communities that rely on traditional fishing practices and cannot compete with commercial fishing operations.

The issue is currently under deliberation in the Supreme Court under G.R. Nos. 256282, 256559, and 257049. If the provision is overturned, municipal fisherfolks face the risk of losing their exclusive fishing rights, potentially affecting marine conservation efforts and local economies.

WPU stated that its research, innovation, and extension activities continue to focus on supporting the needs of small fisherfolks, promoting sustainable fisheries, and advocating for policies that align with environmental protection and social equity.

The university has urged policymakers and government agencies to uphold the municipal waters provision to ensure food security and sustainable marine resource management. WPU has called on stakeholders to recognize the vital role of small fisherfolks in maintaining marine biodiversity and the country’s fisheries industry.