Thirty-five-year-old Paolo Quitaneg grew up in a family whose hopes and livelihood have always been tied to the sea.
For generations, the rich fishing grounds of Scarborough Shoal, locally known as Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal, off the coast of Zambales, sustained their way of life.
In 2012, everything changed when rising geopolitical tensions in the West Philippine Sea led to restrictions on access to the shoal, which Quitaneg once described as a “true paradise.”
For small-scale fishers like him, losing access to this fishing ground wasn’t just about smaller catches, it meant the collapse of a centuries-old livelihood.
Quitaneg and fellow fishers continued to venture into the area despite the risks. But foreign vessels increasingly patrolled the waters, and local boats were often intercepted or warned off, sometimes even before reaching the shoal.
“Our last trip there was in 2024. We were immediately warned over the radio. There was fear and anxiety that our boat might get damaged. We never went back. Everyone here in Zambales felt the loss, it was our main source of income,” he recalled.
Safer way
While the country works on diplomatic efforts to ease maritime tensions, Quitaneg and his family found a safer alternative.
In 2022, they registered LIMVQS Enterprise—a small business focused on using payaos, fish aggregating devices made of simple materials like styrofoam, old tires and nets to draw fish closer to shore.
Placed around 15 nautical miles off the coast, these devices encourage fish to spawn and gather. After three weeks, the fish are harvested using large nets, without the need to enter contested waters.
Quitaneg’s family eventually acquired a fishing vessel to support their growing operation, which allowed them to sustain a steady catch and income.
Financial assistance
In 2024, Quitaneg turned to the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) to scale its operations.
Through the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending Program, implemented in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), he secured a loan to build 10 new payao units, each worth around P100,000.
With a low annual interest rate of just 2 percent, ACEF loans provide up to P1 million for farmers and fishers, and up to P5 million for cooperatives, associations and MSMEs.
“We were surprised. The staff were very friendly, they gave me good options, and guided me through the requirements. That’s what LANDBANK is like, they help you rise so you can build a better livelihood,” Quitaneg said.
In January 2025, their new payaos were deployed off the coast of Zambales.
Monthly catch increased from 16,000 kilograms to nearly 50,000 kg., enabling them to supply markets as far as Malabon, where prices are more favorable.
With better earnings, the family saved enough to make a down payment on their first delivery truck, saving P25,000 per trip in rental costs.
This means they now retain more of their income to support their household and expand their business.
Community impact
Financial access helped transform LIMVQS Enterprise into a growing community-based enterprise, sustaining 36 local workers, hired as harvesters and porters, who no longer need to risk their lives at sea.
Local dealers across Zambales have also benefited from the steady fish supply, helping stabilize market prices and availability.
Even consumers in Metro Manila now enjoy fresh, affordable, and responsibly-sourced fish, thanks to Quitaneg’s initiative.
“I’m truly grateful to LANDBANK, the Department of Agriculture and our local government for endorsing and supporting us. Even though we come from the marginalized sector, you gave us your trust and support so we could recover and improve our livelihood,” he said.
Encouraged by the growth of his business, Quitaneg said that he intends to apply for a second loan after repaying the first to purchase another delivery truck and reach new markets in provinces such as Laguna.
He came to understand that when the tides turn, there’s always a path to progress.