The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) launched its Project Layag-West Philippine Sea, which aims to intensify the distribution of government assistance to fishermen in the area.

During the launch, BFAR corrected claims made by a Chinese Communist Party publication that payaws, or fish aggregating devices, installed by Filipino fishermen are destructive to marine biodiversity.  Filipino fishermen showed the media several fishing methods in the West Philippine Sea, including the traditional kawil (handlines) and ring nets to prove correct misinformation regarding the fishing technique. 

BFAR also turned over P60 million worth of fishing gear, including several 62-foot fishing boats, to fisherfolk communities in Iba, Olongapo, and Subic in Zambales.