They were united in their positive response. Government aid was received as most
of them were SAP recipients. LGU distributed relief goods and food packs as well as cash
(500PhP). Some were given weighing scales, styro, and pedicab.
IV. ON EXPERIENCES OF MARGINALIZATION, STIGMA AN DISCRIMINATION
● On experience of marginalization
Respondent N: “Apay iparit dan iti nangala ti ressing (crablets)?” (Why do they restrict
crablets harvesting?) Ressing or crablet harvesting had been the main livelihood of the locals
hence the restriction is not welcomed. This restriction has become striking a balance between
needs for survival and needs of the time.
● On experience of discrimination
Occasionally, some commercial fish traders can take away as much as half of the
small compradors’ share. This is particularly true when the catch is delivered to nearby
provinces. This practice creates a third hand scenario where the small-capital compradors
have to buy and sell at a higher price to have sales. Hostilities occurred, too, when some
locals questioned the barangay on perceived unqualified SAP beneficiaries. Women
officers received the brunt of their complaints.
V. ON TRAFFICKING AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
The remote interviews revealed the following cases of GBV:
1. Barangay Tanod vs minor ( Taggat Sur)
2. PWD ( mentally-incapable) minor was molested by an ex-convict ( Taggat
Sur)
The women fisherfolks believed that domestic violence still occurs in the form of verbal
abuse or even physical abuse but shrug it off as “away mag-asawa” or marital spat.” These are
oftentimes resolved at barangay level or when liquor intoxication wears off and the complainant
desists. They reason out that these few cases of GBV are due to poverty and the difficulties such
as limited livelihood and lessened mobility to name a few brought about by the pandemic.
VI. ON GENERAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC
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