No. Most women do not engage in capture fishing. They are more involved in aqua
culture such as seaweeds farming, occasional fishing wih their husbands, and gleaning
activities. Women have limited participation in decision-making because they are not
recognized as fisher folk which is perpetuated by the stereotype of the fisher folk as
male. We pioneered or pilot tested our programs in Matnog because there is a women
managed marine protected area there that we want to continue and to assist in order to
strengthen women’s empowerment and participation in the fisheries sector. They are
the Samahan ng mga Kababaihang Bantay Sanktuaryo ng Calintaan, Matnog,
Sorsogon, a SEC registered organization.
Does the agency have data on GBV/trafficking in fishing communities? What are the
identifiable trends?
None.
II.
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
Are there policies adopted by the agency pertaining to fisher folks? Women fisherfolks?
Women representation in decision-making in the municipality (LGU).
What are the general programs of the agency for fisher folks before the ECQ?
Provision of alternative livelihood projects like seaweeds farming equipment, bancas,
fishing paraphernalia, tilapia fingerlings dispersal, training, community development
activities and strengthening activities.
Are there specific programs for women fisher folks in accordance with the MCW?
Most of our trainings are on post-harvest activities such as fish processing, and as
aquaculture such as seaweeds farming, Increase participation and the management of
fisheries resources, Mangrove planting and management, seaweeds farming, and
gleaned materials processing. Address the inactive stance of women leaders and the
lukewarm response of the local community. Increase the presence of women in the
councils. Coastal resource management - bantay-dagat too. Fish and deputized lawenforcement training.
Does the sector currently benefit (in terms of program and benefits) from the GAD
budget of the agency?
I guess so, yes. News and gender development report, we can identify how many
women benefited from our programs.
III.
COVID-19 IMPACT AND PROGRAM
During ECQ, what programs were developed to assist fisher folks during crisis? How
many beneficiaries are there to the programs?