Socio-Economic Analysis of the Effects of the Philippine Fisheries Code on the Municipal Fishermen in Cabuyao, Laguna.

Abstract

Continuous growth in population and increasing demand for fish and fish products have resulted in degraded fishery habitats and competing uses among stakeholders. Laguna de Bay, an important fishery resource in Region IV, is experiencing issues and problems brought about by illegal fishing and over-harvesting. This in return, affects the socio-economic well being of municipal fishermen and their families. Republic Act 8550, otherwise known, as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, is a national policy created to protect the right of its stakeholders for the correct and fair use of the country's fishery and aquatic resources and also to address current issues and problems related to the fishery sector. The Local Government Unit plays an important role to ensure that rightful privileges are given to municipal fishermen. This study aimed to : (1) review the Philippine Fisheries Code and its relevant policies on the socio-economic well being of municipal fishermen in the Municipality of Cabuyao, Laguna; (2) examine the socio-economic status of fishermen in Laguna de Bay, Municipality of Cabuyao, Laguna; and (3) assess current problems, issues and concerns confronted by fishermen in Laguna de Bay, Municipality of Cabuyao, Laguna. The research employed the case study approach to review the provisions in the Philippine Fisheries Code in relation to the socio-economic well being of Cabuyao, Laguna municipal fishermen. Focus group discussion, key informant interviews, survey, and on-site visits were employed to generate issues and concerns confronted by the fishermen, as well as their suggestions to remedy the issues. A review of the Philippine Fisheries Code showed that out of a total of 133 provisions, only 23 are related to the socio-economic well being of these fishermen. Although 18 provisions (78%) have already been implemented, the socio-economic condition of the fishermen has not improved.the local government of the Cabuyao municipality has implemented sections of the Philippine Fisheries Code relating to the jurisdiction of the municipality, grant of fishing privileges in municipal waters, registry of municipal waters, priority of residents municipal fishermen, demarcated areas for fishing activity granted to the fishermen organizations, limited entry into over-fished areas, and monitoring, control and surveillance. The provisions in the Philippine Fisheries Code, which were not implemented include: rights and privileges of fish workers; lease of fishponds; insurance for fishponds, fish cages and fish pens; municipal grant fund; and aquaculture investment fund. Based on the survey of fishermen in the Municipality of Cabuyao, Laguna, fishermen have been involved in fishing for more than half of their lives. The net annual income generated by municipal fishermen ranged from P16,632.00 – P70,224.00. The annual average net income of the fishermen is still below the annual per capita poverty threshold. Fishing is a livelihood, and is essential to a large part of the population in the municipality of Cabuyao, Laguna. Sustaining the benefits derived from fishery can only be achieved if environmental, socio-economic and legal/institutional issues are fully addressed. Environmental issues include land-based pollution as it affects the water quality of the lake. The socio-economic issues include conflicts in lake usage between residents and non-residents, usage of illegal and active fishing gears, low income and no adequate privileges for fisher folks. Legal/institutional issues include no independent fund intended for the Cabuyao Municipality Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CMFARCM), delay in the implementation of solid waste management act and inadequate size of municipal protected area. The study recommends the full implementation of the related provisions of the Philippine Fisheries Code and to implement section 127 – Mandatory Review, to address the policy gaps and resolve issues concerning other related policies since management of the lake requires a collaborative effort between various agencies and fishermen organizations.