R-1 Cavitex Coastal Road Project and Its Impact on the Subsistence of Municipal Fisherfolks in Barangay Pulang Lupa Uno Las Piñas City

Abstract

Fishing is a means of livelihood common to coastal communities. Las Piñas City is one of these communities. Las Piñas has four barangays where municipal fishing continues to thrive despite aggressive developments in the area. Coastal projects particularly those requiring reclamation would have direct and indirect impacts especially on marginalized members such as the fisherfolks.

Of particular interest and focus of this study is barangay Pulang Lupa Uno which has the biggest number of registered fisherfolks and closest to the recent development in the area that necessitated coastal reclamation.

This research determined how recent developments specifically the R-1 Cavitex Coastal Road Project affected the livelihood of municipal fisherfolks of barangay Pulang Lupa Uno particularly those involved in Tahongan (mussel farms), Saprahan and Bentol (fish and shrimp traps) and Kapa (manual capture or harvest of fish and other marine resources typically using hands and or improvised hand tools).

A review of primary and secondary data was done. In addition, surveys and interviews with the affected fishing communities and representatives of concerned government agencies were made. A focused group discussion was also done involving the heads of the respective barangay fishing communities to delve deeply on the issues and concerns. The preceding was done bearing in mind the socio-economic, environmental as well as policy and institutional support and resources that should be put in place.

Results showed that while its boundary is situated in an adjacent barangay, the R1-Cavitex project directly and indirectly affected various forms of livelihood particularly those engaged in Kapa, Paglalambat, Bentol and related activities. These fisherfolks are the most vulnerable among the fishing communities as they literally would have to comb the shallow coastal areas for marine resources often times using bare hands and improvised hand tools just to get by.

The impact stems mainly from the permanent change of seascape due to reclamation. The study highlighted the gaps ranging from the impact assessment and mitigation of project activities as embodied in the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System and lack of implementation of the provisions of the Philippine Fisheries Code (RA 8550). There is also an apparent lack of support framework specific to financing and meaningful and sustainable means of livelihood programs to supplement the limited income opportunities from fishing. Lastly it also established the need to revisit the priorities and programs of the local government unit who should be at the forefront particularly on projects that could have potential impacts on the marginalized members of the communities.