TACLOBAN CITY — Rising fuel prices are forcing fishermen and small boat operators in Eastern Samar to adopt drastic measures to sustain their livelihoods, prompting renewed calls for immediate price relief.
In the island village of Apiton in San Policarpo, some fishermen have abandoned motorized travel altogether, turning instead to handmade wooden paddles as gasoline prices climbed from around P65 to as high as P110 per liter.
Fisherman Dondon Bianes said a typical fishing trip consumes at least two liters of fuel, a cost now too steep for many in their community. To cope, they gather driftwood washed ashore and fashion these into paddles.
“It’s exhausting, especially when the waves are strong, but we have no choice,” Bianes said.
The same burden is felt inland in Jipapad, where operators of locally known “bote” — narrow, non-outrigger boats used for river transport — are grappling with diesel prices that have surged from P65 to P150 per liter.
Boat operator Erwin Pajares, who plies the route from Barangay Cagmanaba, said a round trip typically consumes about two liters of diesel. To offset costs, operators have raised fares from P50 to P70, though he admitted the increase remains insufficient.
Cagmanaba serves as a key riverside access point and jump-off area to Sanizi Falls, an emerging tourist destination in the province.
Aside from fuel costs, operators also face operational constraints due to low river water levels, which limit both passenger and cargo capacity. Boats that once carried up to 12 passengers now accommodate only five to 10 to avoid running aground.
“When fuel was still affordable, even a few passengers were enough to sustain operations,” Pajares said.
Despite mounting expenses, operators are reluctant to impose further fare hikes, noting that passengers are also struggling with rising costs of living.
Fisherfolk and transport operators are now appealing for government intervention, including financial assistance and immediate fuel price reductions, to ease their situation and prevent further disruption to local livelihoods and mobility.
Recent weeks have seen continued increases in fuel prices nationwide. However, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier announced that a significant rollback is expected within the week.
Affected sectors are urging oil companies to implement the rollback in full and without delay.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
