MAO Virginia:
CHR:
They fish, sometimes 30-40 kilos gross weight of catch, and their wives do
ambulant vending using padyak or bike given by LGU/ BFAR or sell their
fish right on the shore, in the barangays, or surrounds of the public market.
Others are tagadaklis.
The results of the KII with women fisherfolks revealed that these women
are not extremely marginalized compared with the national statistics. This
can be attributed to the fact that Claveria fisherfolks have others sources of
income such as farming, livestock raising, and labor to name a few.
MAO Virginia:
Fisherfolks are below poverty line when their only source of income is
fishing but in Claveria, they have alternative sources of livelihood so most
are middle income fisherfolks.
CHR:
Are these women fisherfolks recognized as such and independent from
their husbands?
MAO Virginia:
Yes. They have individual registration.
● Issues of fisherfolks particular in Claveria and interventions made by government
service providers
❖ The issue on the restriction of ressing (crablets) which was raised by the
fisherfolks was clarified by BFAR. Administrative Order 264 and 265 regulates
crablets harvesting. This prescribes when open season is and what size can be
harvested. The intervention made was putting up crab nursery where fullygrown crabs are gathered and harvested then sold to LGU. This practice
addresses the high demand of crabs and at the same time protects crablets from
being prematurely harvested.
❖ Ipon (sycyopterus lachrymosus) or lunar fish endemic in Cagayan is “closed
season” hence there is restriction on gathering the said popular fish. Regulated
and not prohibited.
❖ Livelihood programs for fisherfolks are not sufficient.
❖ VAWC Incidence ( GBV reported by one of the women fisherfolks KII during
their remote interview was confirmed.)
CHR:
There was a reported VAWC by KIIs with women fisherfolks. Are you aware of this?
MAO Virginia: This was reported last year. The victim was a mentally-deficient minor living
in the shelter molested by an ex-convict (illegal fishing). There was
amicable settlement.
PNP Claveria Women’s Desk: Since January 2020, there were no reported cases of VAWC.
Previously reported complaints were minor and were settled through amicable
settlement particularly for first offense. The complainant had an option to file
a case or to desist. Habitual and repeated offenses are filed for criminal
charges.
CHR:
We have to clarify the issue: There are no reports because there are no
VAWC or there are cases but no one files complaints or presses charges.
PNP Claveria Women’s Desk:
There were cases but they were dismissed because
complainant chose not to press charges.
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