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Ballon says he’s running to fill the need for lawmakers who will push for the causes of the environment and helping the marginalized
MANILA, Philippines – Fisherman and community environmentalist Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon filed on Monday, October 7, his certificate for candidacy (COC) at the Manila Hotel, vying for a seat in the Senate.
The fisherman from Zamboanga Sibugay was one of the recipients of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2021, for leading mangrove restoration and environment conservation in communities to improve fellow fishers’ livelihood.
“Nandito po ako para tulungan po ang ating bayan, ang ating mga mambabatas, sa mga programang isulong para sa kabutihan ng ating bayan lalong-lalo na nasa mga laylayan at mga marginalized sector,” Ballon said on Monday.
(I am here to help our country, our lawmakers in support of programs directed at helping people in the marginalized sector.)
Ballon said he is not running under any party. “Independent tayo,” he said. “Para ‘wag madamay sa mga bahid ng ibang candidates.”
(I am independent so that I won’t be compromised by other candidates.)
According to Ballon, he is running to fill the need for lawmakers dedicated to protecting the environment and helping the poor.
“Tumatakbo tayo dahil walang totoong nakipag-talakayan ng batas pang environment at marginalized sector na naghihirap,” he added.
(We are running because there is no genuine lawmaker pushing the causes of the environment and impoverished, marginalized sectors.)
Ballon said his platform relies on three Es: empowerment of community, environment protection, and economic development.
He is the chairperson of chairperson of the Kapunungan sa mga Gagmay ng Mangingisda sa Concepcion, a fisherfolk organization formed in 1986.
The group implements aquaculture projects such as cage culture, shell culture, and crabs and fish mangrove aquasilviculture.
Fishermen remain one of the poorest sectors in the Philippines. It has been his mission to improve lives of communities so that they’re able to eat three times a day.
Aside from dwindling catch and lack of post-harvest facilities, fishermen now have to contend with Chinese harassment in the West Philippine Sea, as well as commercial operators encroaching on municipal waters.
Another fisherfolk leader who has filed his COC for the 2025 midterm elections is Ronnel Arambulo, vice chairperson of the fisherfolk group Pamalakaya. – Rappler.com
