The MCW that basically arms and empowers these women fisherfolks is not fully
understood or known by them. But they are aware that have opportunities to work in
male- dominated environs. One example is the PNP Maritime Chief and is a female.
● What benefits do you receive as fisherfolk? Is it apart from your husband’s
benefits?
Their husbands are registered in the FishR and naturally, they are beneficiaries of
programs that DA-BFAR has. They have insurance coverage for a minimal fee of 100PhP
per fisherfolk. FLDT has conducted techno-demo to some women fisherfolks for value
adding post –harvest products such as fish tocino making. Some women fisherfolks were
lend–leased by DA with “padyak” or rolling store.
● What are the assistance or interventions that lessen the impact of Covid-19 did
you receive?
Respondent M: In Taggat Sur, we have devised a scheme to allow even the small-time
comprador do business. We provide them gasoline for their boats and capital for
fishing among other expenses. In return, they deliver their produce to us. Further,
the cash prize from the MMK win was allocated for each fisherfolks organization.
Respondent N: In September, DA will give Claveria Fishermen Cooperative freezer van
to prolong the freshness and shelf life of our catch. Through BFAR Claveria,
there was distribution of fish gears and motorboat to active fisherfolks
organization.
Respondent L: We were told that “300,000PhP of the 12MPhP was allocated as
additional capital for registered fish vendors.
● How has Covid-19 affected you?
Respondent E: Projects are pending or postponed.
Respondent M: There are “re-alignments” of projects as BFAR recommends that such
projects should be “fishing-related.” Purchase and distribution of boats and funding of
CFC are given green lights. The CFC was established but is not yet fully operational
though since it needs capital to offer loans for fisherfolks.
● What aid did you receive from the government during the pandemic?
8 | Page