Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE PHILIPPINES Region IV-B MIMAROPA Mindoro Provincial Office Focus Group Discussion and Key Informant Interview on the Situation of Women Fisherfolks and Women and Girls at Risk of Gender-based Violence and Trafficking during COVID-19 Pandemic and New Normal September 11, 2020 A NARRATIVE REPORT I. INTRODUCTION The nation was in a shock on the spread of the COVID-19 cases in March of the present year. The virus has threatened the Filipinos and has brought changes from the usual into accepting the changes that the virus has left. Several cases of violation among men and women has also become another challenge for the people as to how they survive during the Pandemic and face the New Normal. The Commission on Human Rights as an independent agency, took action in helping the people in need. The commission took action in monitoring human rights, especially women in the marginalized sectors as the Gender and Development Ombud under the Magna Carta of Women. Women fisherfolks is one of the marginalized sectors that has been identified as one of the key sectors by the Magna Carta of Women. Fisheries has been one of the known industries in the country for food reproduction. Men and women both play their roles in this industry. Despite this situation, fisherfolks, most specifically women fisherfolks remained invisible in the public context. It was also noted that this sector (women fisherfolks) has been affected at large of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The province of Oriental Mindoro is one of the provinces whose livelihood is more of fishing and other aquatic resources. It has become a great opportunity for the Mindoreňos that water resources has become their ways of earning and living. It was all of a sudden that this industry was also affected of the Pandemic. Issues on Gender- based Violence has also been reported. To better help women, specifically women fisherfolks, the Commission on Human Rights has served a vital role.