「在遠洋漁船上工作的漁工」國際會議

INTRODUCTION

This ICSF Exchange Programme held in Manila is an offshoot of the Bangkok Conference on “Global Fisheries Trends and Future of Fishworkers” held on January 22–27, 1990. One of the issues raised in that conference was about the operation of Taiwanese fishing vessels outside
its territorial waters and the impact of such operations on small fishermen from the countries concerned. The presence of a Taiwanese fishworker as well as an NGO supporter contributed to an enlightening discussion as the former shed light on the sad plight of Taiwanese fishworkers who are the victims of such structural problems. This meaningful exchange between groups of fishermen, particularly Taiwanese and Filipinos, resulted in the plan of the Taiwanese delegation to have some Taiwanese fishermen visit the Philippines and immerse in fishing communities. This was believed to be a first step towards the gradual unfolding in both the Taiwanese and
Filipino fishworkers of social consciousness regarding such a reality. Since one of the thrusts of the Collective for the next three years was an Exchange and Training Programme among fishworkers and their supporters from different countries, the Collective thought it worthwhile to take up the task of organizing such an immersion activity in the Philippines. This plan was expanded to include a three-day seminar/workshop.