Fishing has been one of the earliest occupations known to man. It has grown from a simple beginning into a complex industry with modern equipment and installations making derived commodities from the oceans, seas, and lakes for sustenance and business, especially for countries surrounded by bodies of water, like the Philippines. It has been an essential source of livelihood for many Filipinos, men, and women alike. All genders are involved in this industry. Men perform fishing, while all genders can do fish processing and marketing. As years passed by, and as the population grew, the fisherfolk realized that fishing alone could not sustain their daily needs, since expenses kept increasing because of inflation and other factors. They need to come up with an alternative livelihood to increase income for their family.
The Participatory Situational Analysis was conducted last June 8-9, and August 9-10 2023 and participated by different people's organizations from the different sectors of youth, fisherfolk, women, business, and tourism groups. One of their pressing concerns is the possibility of alternative livelihood to augment their daily needs in times of off-season.
During the workshop, the participants shared data and information on how they manage their marine and coastal resources. They identified their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Since the training is participatory, for the first time, many have had the chance to have their voices and concerns heard and considered. They attended the workshop, not knowing what it was about, but ended with overwhelming knowledge and information gained from their fellow fisherfolk. Even the first-timers shared and spoke boldly, knowing that it was the right time and place to be heard.
Through the PSA workshop, the fisherfolk learned a great deal about other municipalities, what they have, and the things they lack in their municipalities. They learned the importance of their participation in the planning processes so that they could also benefit from the Government programs that older organizations have earlier availed. With the presence of representatives from government agencies and the LGUs during the workshop, the fisherfolk were assured that their issues and concerns will be addressed accordingly by the concerned agencies.
Contributed by Vanessa J. Cornell, Project Officer, INSPIRE Project
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