SAMAHAN NG MGA MANGINGISDA AT MAMAMAYAN SA LATIAN NG BULAKAN (SMB)

Organizational Awardee

The Samahan ng mga Mangingisda at Mamamayan sa Latian ng Bulacan (SMB) [Association of Fishermen and Citizens of the Bulakan Swamp] is a local people’s organization that actively opposes the multi-billion New Manila International ‘aerotropolis’ project of the San Miguel Corp. (SMC).

SMB is against the airport project, pointing out that this will involve massive land reclamation, leading to the displacement of more than 700 fishing and urban poor families in Bulacan, and the immeasurable destruction of the marine and aquatic resources of Manila Bay.

SMB advances an alternative genuine rehabilitation of Manila Bay, the protection of its marine resources against all destructive projects, and the genuine and inclusive development of the fisherfolk sector.

This organization, made up of fisherfolk and urban poor communities in Taliptip and Obando, Bulacan, started by launching community studies with the help of church people and environmental advocates, to analyze the effects of the impending construction of the Aerotropolis. After many months of studies, the group was able to grow and strengthen its ranks.

As fishermen, their daily work already contributes to the food security of Filipinos. But it is through their active campaign against the Aerotropolis that they are able to help advance a national change movement that promotes social justice, the genuine development of the fisherfolk sector and other marginalized communities, and the protection of our coasts and seas.