Organizational Membership of Fisherfolks in Fishing Villages in Palawan, Philippines

This study was conducted to determine the demographic characteristics of fisherfolks; identify membership and benefits/incentives, describe existence and activities of organizations, identify types of interventions on regulations, legislations and fishery laws implemented. The study used the descriptive method. A total of 247 fisherfolks were considered from selected fishing villages of Mainland Palawan from Taytay, San Vicente, Quezon, Aborlan and Puerto Princesa City. Fishing is the main occupation with monthly income of PhP5, 739.92. Household size was five and age of 30-39 years old. Educational attainment among women was elementary graduate while men reached elementary level. Majority were married and most of the fisherfolks were Bisaya/Cebuano. Further, majority were members of Fishermen’s Cooperative, Fishermen Association and Bagong Siglo and Taytay sa Kauswagan, Incorporated, Urban Poor Association and Neighborhood Indigenous Association. Fisherfolks availed of trainings and technology, credit assistance, livelihood opportunities, access to facilities and marketing of fish catch. The interventions formulated to address issues in fisheries include fishing vessel and gears licensing, on access to fishery resources, law enforcement and on exclusive fishery zones and resource use limits. Furthermore, fisherfolks should be encouraged to become members to government or non-government organizations to be empowered for community participation and in addressing fishery issues.

 

Keywords - Economics, organizational membership, fisher folks, descriptive design, Palawan, Philippines.