As we commemorate 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐊𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟑𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, we honor the women and men whose daily labor sustains our communities, strengthens our food security, and keeps our coastal traditions alive. In celebration of their courage, resilience, and enduring hope, we present “Let the Line Hold,” an advocacy folk ballad inspired by the growing call of the Atin ang Kinse movement and the continuing struggle to protect the 15-kilometer municipal waters reserved for small-scale fisherfolk.
This song was not only produced by ISUFST Faculty as a musical tribute but was also presented as a Creative Works Presentation and performed during the plenary session of the Second Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS2) held on October 20–24, 2025, at Mindanao State University in Marawi City, Philippines. Through music, it tells a story of dignity, justice, livelihood, and the shared responsibility of protecting our seas for future generations.
For the fisherfolk. For the coast. For the kinse. Let the line hold.
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𝐋𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃 | Lyrics by Herman M. Lagon | Composition and Interpretation by Jezreel Cabansagan-Donguila | Instrumentals by Psalmista Band | Video Editing: Mr. Patrick Lance Nacion | ISUFST
Before the music begins, it is important to understand why this song was written.
“Let the Line Hold” is more than a folk ballad. It is a tribute to the women and men of our coastal communities whose lives, livelihoods, and futures are tied to the sea. Inspired by the growing call of the Atin ang Kinse movement, the song speaks for small-scale fisherfolk who continue to defend the 15-kilometer municipal waters reserved by law for municipal fishers—waters that have sustained families, communities, and local food security for generations. The song draws inspiration from the stories, struggles, hopes, and resilience shared by fisherfolk, scientists, educators, advocates, and community leaders who believe that protecting the kinse is not merely a fisheries issue but a matter of justice, dignity, and national survival.
This advocacy folk ballad was written by Dr. Herman M. Lagon, inspired by conversations and encounters with fisherfolk and stakeholders during the National Fisherfolk’s Day Celebration and the broader Atin ang Kinse campaign. The music was composed and interpreted by Jezreel Cabansagan-Donguila, whose heartfelt melody gives voice to the emotions behind the movement, while the Psalmista Band provided the instrumental arrangement that carries the song’s message across communities.
Together, they transformed policy discussions and scientific evidence into a musical narrative that ordinary Filipinos can feel, remember, and share.
At its heart, “Let the Line Hold” reminds us that the kinse is more than a boundary on a map. It is a symbol of livelihood, cultural memory, food security, community resilience, and hope. It represents the right of small-scale fisherfolk to continue fishing in the waters their families have depended upon for generations. Through music, this work invites us to listen to the voices behind the statistics, to see the people behind the policies, and to stand with those who continue to protect our seas for future generations.
As the song unfolds, may we remember a simple but powerful truth: when we protect the kinse, we protect not only fish and waters, but also families, communities, heritage, and the future of sustainable small-scale fisheries in the Philippines.
Lyrics: Dr. Herman M. Lagon
Composition and Interpretation: Dr. Jezreel Cabansagan-Donguila
Instrumentals: Psalmista Band
Video editing: Mr. Patrick Lance Nacion
Genre: Advocacy Folk Ballad | Key: G Major | Tempo: ~70 bpm
For the fisherfolk. For the coast. For the kinse. Let the line hold. #AtinAngKinse
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB_uKskahos
Official ISUFST Statement on the Supreme Court Ruling Allowing Commercial Fishers to Operate on the Municipal Waters, entitled SAFEGUARDING OUR SEAS: https://web.faceboo*om/share/p/18UtjUbyQe/
