Migrant fishers push ILO Convention 188 ratification

By Artchil B. Fernandez

Migrant fishers in Panay and Guimaras held a regional forum on the sector’s plight on Nov. 21, 2025, at Casa Real de Iloilo in the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

The group is urging the Philippine government to ratify International Labour Organization Convention 188, or the Work in Fishing Convention, which sets comprehensive labor standards to ensure decent work, fair recruitment, safe working conditions and access to social protection for migrant fishers.

They stressed that the Philippines has yet to ratify the convention.

Organizers said adopting the measure is a critical step toward addressing systemic abuses and strengthening national and international commitments to fisher welfare.

The regional forum was organized by the Environmental Justice Foundation, Western Visayas Migrants Network, Associated Philippine Seafarers Union, Association of Migrant Fishers and Families and the Iloilo provincial government.

Iloilo City Rep. Jamjam Baronda and Iloilo Board Member Rolly Distura delivered keynote messages during the event.

Participants viewed the documentary “Deceived, Abused, Forgotten: The Untold Story of Filipino Migrant Fishers Exploited at Sea” and took part in a reflection session afterward.

The forum featured panel discussions on the realities faced by migrant fishers, including challenges from recruitment to return, and on strengthening protection and policy reform, from response to ratification, along with a discussion on ILO Convention 188.

Representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Labor and Employment attended the forum.

The event concluded with a solidarity walk and a flower offering at the Iloilo Esplanade.