● Covid19 did not really affect the fisherfolks because fishing is one of the essentials that
were allowed by the IATF but protocols were strictly implemented.
● In a way, it had affected the transport of the fish.
MAO Virginia: Covid19 increased sales for fisherfolks particularly fish traders as barangays
became fish landing facilities. The restriction on travel brought the goods closer to the
community and it provided income for the fish vendors and compradors. The increased demand
for fish made fish more expensive, too.
4. Recommendations to empower the sector
● To address invisibility and undervaluation of women fisherfolks
❖ Women fisherfolks were given Certificate of Recognition for their
contribution in the uplift of women fisherfolks and counterpart of men in
fishery laws enforcement.
❖ They are officers and members of MFARMC.
❖ Association presidents are asked to make Work and Financial Plan.
❖ Skills trainings are conducted.
❖ Strengthen women organization.
MAO Virginia: Generally, there is no discrimination or undervaluation of women fisherfolks in
Calveria. The government through BFAR awarded free motorboats with fishing gears to
fisherfolks. They built motorized banca under Cash for Work Program. They got paid for the
work and were awarded the boats they built.
5. Clarifications on issues raised by women fisherfolks KIIs
● DA programmed to lend capital for fish brokerage or compra but remains
unrealized as of this report.
MAO Virginia: Landbank Region has offered loans to fisherfolks and majority applied for such
loans but with pending validation and approval. BFAR facilitates the updating and fast-tracking
of the loan applications.
On the other hand, LGU has guaranteed all 24 fisherfolks associations 10,000PhP
each. Moreover, 30 fish vendors will be given 10,000PhP each
● Fish cages without financial Aid for feeds
MAO Virginia: Those fish cages are private owned. The BFAR counterparts are distribution of
free fingerlings and assistance in marketing their produce through the fish landing facilities.
Moreover, BFAR through ICRMP gave 5 units fish cages as starter capital for the first cycle.
BFAR FLDT: BFAR gave materials for the structure like net and pipe as well as fingerlings and
feeds so they can start the first cycle. There was regular monitoring of the project. The proceeds
would have been used as rolling capital of the fish cage owner. But it was noted that after the
first cycle, it was discontinued. It was a failure.
● Fisherfolks spend for repairs of fiberglass motorboats.
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