13 of the DA and allowed farming and fishing activities to continue,79 artisanal fisherfolks continued to experience inconsistency in the quarantine measures imposed by LGUs, particularly in the NCR. These irregularities have affected their livelihood and their ability to generate income. At the start of the imposition of community quarantine in Metro Manila, fisherfolk groups sought “clear and comprehensive guidelines” in Manila Bay because they were worried that the lockdowns would include a prohibition of fishing activity to curb the spread of COVID-19.80 They attested that the ban would affect artisanal fisherfolk's livelihood and food security and further burden their situations. These worries were not unfounded as during the continued surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, artisanal fisherfolks within the National Capital Region, particularly in Navotas, Las Piñas, and Malabon reported a variety of issues faced by the sector.81 The primary concern was the inconsistency among LGUs in the implementation of quarantine measures. While some areas allowed fishing, albeit within only designated zones where there was limited catch, other areas totally prohibited fishing. Some fisherfolk had to risk being caught by authorities just so they can have a decent catch to sell to feed their families. Selling their catch was also problematic since they could not bring them to the market due to the mobility restrictions, even though the government has ensured unhampered distribution of their products. 82 Fisherfolk have also lamented the slow pace at which they receive the Social Amelioration Packages (SAP)83 of the government. A research of the ESCR Center entitled the Right to Social Security of Farmers and Fisherfolks also showed that their access to social services is poor, as most of them live in GIDAs.84 With fisherfolks being one of the primary contributors in ensuring food security during the pandemic, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said that “providing adequate social protection support to small scale vulnerable farmers, fisherfolk, and those involved along food chains is vital during and after this crisis to avoid any food shortages and disruptions that might be triggered by logistical hurdles, labor shortages, and panic buying.”85 The CHR already released a press statement on the plight of farmers and fisherfolks during the COVID19 pandemic.86 It echoes the recommendations made by FAO and further recommended that the government should ensure that social protection schemes are accessible to farmers and fisherfolks, and emphasized that these should be adequate to the needs of the sector. It also called for strengthening the policies on the unhampered access of farmers and fisherfolk to the distribution of their products, and the selling of their products at equitable prices should also be prioritized. 79 80 IATF Resolution No. 15, available from iatf.doh.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/IATF-Resolution-No.-15.pdf (last viewed 12/14/2021) “Fisherfolk seek guidelines on quarantine” by R. Villanueva, D. Cervantes, published 15 March 2020, available from www.philstar.com/nation/2020/03/15/2000901/fisherfolk-seek-guidelines-quarantine (viewed 10/19/2021) 81 Pangisda Pilipinas, supra note 18 82 DA calls for stronger farm to market links published 20 March 2020, available from www.da.gov.ph/da-calls-for-stronger-farm-to-marketlinks-amid-covid-19/ (last viewed 10/19/2021) 83 The Social Amelioration Program or SAP is the collection of different cash subsidies as provided for by the different government agencies such as DOLE, DA, DSWD, DILG, DBM, DOF, and DTI ncr.dswd.gov.ph/social-amelioration-program/ 84 Right to Social Security of Farmers/Fisherfolk and Indigenous Peoples of Region XI. supra note 20 85 “Social Protection and Covid-19 Response in Rural Areas” published 8 April 2020 by FAO, available from www.fao.org/3/ca8561en/CA8561EN.pdf (last viewed 10/19/2021) 86 “Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline De Guia…” published 22 April 2020, available from chr.gov.ph/statement-of-chrspokesperson-atty-jacqueline-ann-de-guia-on-the-plight-of-farmers-and-fisherfolk-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/ (viewed 10/19/2021)