Eastern Samar fisherfolk return to paddles amid fuel price surge
TACLOBAN CITY — Fishermen in Eastern Samar are abandoning motorized boats and returning to traditional paddling methods as soaring fuel prices make daily fishing trips increasingly unaffordable, highlighting the deepening impact of rising oil costs on coastal communities.
In the island village of Apiton in San Policarpo, several fisherfolk have opted to leave their engines behind, instead using handmade wooden paddles fashioned from driftwood to reach fishing grounds.
The shift comes as gasoline prices have climbed from around P65 to as high as P110 per liter in recent weeks.
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Fisherman Dondon Bianes said a typical fishing trip requires at least two liters of fuel — an expense now beyond the reach of many in their community.
“It’s exhausting, especially when the waves are strong, but we have no choice,” he said, describing the physically demanding return to manual paddling.
The situation underscores how rising fuel costs are forcing small-scale fishers to revert to older, labor-intensive methods just to sustain their livelihood, significantly reducing both their range and potential catch.
Similar challenges are being faced inland in the municipality of Jipapad, where operators of small river boats, locally known as “bote,” are also grappling with steep increases in diesel prices — from P65 to as high as P150 per liter.
Boat operator Erwin Pajares, who plies the route from Barangay Cagmanaba, said a round trip consumes about two liters of diesel. Operators have raised fares from P50 to P70 to cope, but he admitted the increase is still not enough to offset operating costs.
Cagmanaba serves as a vital riverside access point and jump-off area to Sanizi Falls, an emerging tourist destination, making transport services crucial for both residents and visitors.
Aside from fuel costs, boat operators are also contending with low river water levels, limiting the number of passengers and cargo they can carry. Boats that previously accommodated up to 12 passengers are now restricted to 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 remain hesitant to impose further fare increases, noting that passengers are also struggling with rising living costs. /das
