For many people, the rainy season is often associated with relaxation—curling up under thick blankets, sipping hot soup, and enjoying the cold weather. But for Vincent Viñas, a 61-year-old fisherman from Amaya, Tanza, Cavite, this season is far from comforting. For him, the rains bring danger, uncertainty, and daily struggles to provide for his family.
Vincent has been a fisherman since he was just 12 years old, spending most of his life braving the sea. Over the decades, he has faced countless hardships in his line of work, but the rainy season remains the most difficult. He often spends two to three days out at sea with little to no sleep, just to catch enough fish to sell. Yet despite his sacrifices, his earnings are barely enough to cover his family’s daily needs.
“Mahirap manghuli kapag tag-ulan. ‘Yung kita ko kapag tag-araw, ibang-iba kapag tag-ulan—halos kalahati ang nababawas. Bukod pa doon, mas malaki ang panganib sa tuwing lalaot,” Vincent narrated, his voice heavy with worry.
Still, despite the hardships, Vincent continues to sail because fishing is the only livelihood he knows. His determination comes from his love for his family and his hope that each trip to the sea will be fruitful enough to put food on the table. For him, giving up has never been an option.
“Para sa pamilya ko, kahit gaano kahirap, kakayanin ko. Hangga’t kaya ko pang lumangoy at manghuli, hindi ako titigil,” he said with firm resolve, proving that resilience keeps him afloat even in the stormiest seasons.
But Vincent’s story is not unique. Like him, many fisherfolk in Cavite face the same reality. When storms arrive, not only does the volume of catch drastically decrease, but the risk of accidents at sea also rises. Strong winds, high tides, and unpredictable waves constantly threaten their lives, leaving their families anxious every time they set sail.
Aside from natural challenges, Vincent also struggles with the rising costs of fuel and the declining price of fish in local markets. Sometimes, after spending days at sea, his earnings are barely enough to cover his expenses, forcing him to borrow money or rely on neighbors for help.
Vincent’s story reflects the unseen battles of countless fisherfolk whose lives depend on the sea. While the rainy season brings comfort to many, for them it is a time of fear, sacrifice, and survival. Their resilience may keep them going, but without greater support and recognition, their struggles will remain a cycle that future generations of fishermen may also inherit. As Vincent continues to brave the waters for his family, his story reminds us that behind every meal on our tables are lives weathering storms far greater than we often realize.
