STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY - To the People, Fishers, and Industry Partners of General Santos City and the Mindanao Earthquake-Affected Areas of the Philippines

On behalf of the Board Members, the Staff, and the entire membership of the Fishing Industry Association of Papua New Guinea (FIA-PNG), I extend our profound sympathies and solidarity to the victims and families affected by the recent devastating earthquake in Mindanao.

The bond between the maritime sectors of Papua New Guinea and the Philippines—particularly the prominent fishing hub of General Santos City—is foundational to our regional industry. Our shared reliance on the Western and Central Pacific fisheries has fostered decades of deep commercial collaboration, mutual respect, and enduring professional partnerships. The fishers, port authorities, processors, and logistics personnel of General Santos City are not merely industry colleagues; they are essential partners in our shared maritime community.

It is with gravity and deep concern that we receive reports of the impact on regional infrastructure, vital fishing ports, and the livelihoods of those who sustain the sector. The FIA-PNG recognizes the immense challenges currently facing the region as emergency services conduct critical response and recovery operations.

Please be assured that the Papua New Guinea fishing industry stands in firm support of our Philippine counterparts during this period of crisis. We express our highest regard for the resilience of the Filipino people and possess the utmost confidence in your capacity to rebuild and recover.

Our thoughts remain with the government leadership, industry executives, emergency responders, and all affected families as you navigate the aftermath of this natural disaster.

The Fishing Industry Association of Papua New Guinea stands with you!

SYLVESTER B. POKAJAM

President / Chairman

Fishing Industry Association of Papua New Guinea (FIA-PNG)