(First of two parts) MANILA, Philippines — A day after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted government aid for nearly 2 million farmers and fisherfolk in his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona), municipal fishers had a message of their own: They do not want to remain dependent on subsidies. They want the government to protect the fishing grounds the law has long reserved for them. Gathering in Quezon City on Tuesday, July 28, for what they called the “State of the Fisherfolk Address 2026,” a kontra-Sona, or counter-Sona, small-scale fisherfolk leaders, marine conservation group Oceana, scientists, legislators, youth advocates […]...Keep on reading: ‘Protect our seas’: Fisherfolk respond to Marcos’ Sona