Do you have an organization of fisher folks in your community? Like fish wardens? Who are the members? Are there women in this groups? Among the men, some of whom are our husbands, we have the Bantay-Dagat group. Then a group of men taking care of gropers. And our group, Samahan ng mga Kababaihang Bantay Santuaryo ng Calintaan ng Matnog, Sorsogon. We assist our men in guarding the seas especially the sanctuary and tend to our seaweeds. We are twenty-six (26). Our group used to be more than 26, but some have transferred for work to Manila. What is the role of women among the organizations of fisherfolks? Are they part of decision-making? Our role is to guard the fish sanctuary, stop illegal cyanide and small nets fishing, rock and sands extraction and call the attention of violators or potential trespassers or violators. However, whenever we call out to them, they ask for our papers which authorize us to do so. In addition, we also feel we are somehow part of the decision-making because the men allow us to speak freely, They listen to us and take our opinion, ideas or points of view into account. Do you think the attention that the fishing sector gives to you women, is sufficient? Explain. This issue is quite tricky. While it appears that majority said yes, the attention given is sufficient, there are still some underlying serious issues that the community needs to learn so that women can have better participation and representation. Let’s start with the yes. This is so because the women are able to participate in managing and securing the sanctuary, and when they have any good suggestions and valid concerns, actions are taken to address them. Let us go to the other side. However, some feel it isn’t enough yet because they lack equipment to be able to do the job more efficiently. And here is the serious concern. Some still feel underestimated simply because they are women. There appears to be a mentality in some corners of the island community that, at worst, still looks down on women, and at best, regards them with a patronizing, condescending attitude. III. ACCESS TO INFORMATION, RESOURCES, AND FOOD PRODUCTION Do you know anything about the rights and benefits of fisherfolks under our laws? Only three (3) out of sixteen (16) said no. The rest, comprising thirteen (13) respondents, said they know their rights and benefits under our laws. They identified these as the right to be protected by their men, the right against abuse, and the right to prevent illegal and destructive activities against their waters, especially their fish sanctuary. About three (3) from the group are not aware of the MCW. Be that as it may, even before the said document was known, they know that there are basic rights persons have, especially women such as having equal dignity with men. This knowledge comes from experience and a sense of the natural law ingrained in every human being’s heart.