The Perception on the Effectivity and the Financial Effect of Saligang Pampangisdaan on the Fishers of Pagbilao Bay

Abstract

Although the fishery regulations at the local levels evolve along with the changes in the national policy, no studies have shown how all these policies directly affect the fishers, particularly in Pagbilao Bay. No consultations nor surveys have been conducted to determine if a policy was effectively implemented, followed or at least understood. Thus, there is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of a policy from the perspective of the constituents, in this case the fishers. This study aimed to evaluate the effectivity and the financial effect of the Saligang Pampangisdaan on the local fishers in Pagbilao Bay. Specifically, it described the profile of the Pagbilao Bay fishers; and assess the perception on the effectivity and the financial profitability of the policy on the local fishers. Measures for continual improvement to the policy were also suggested.

The study employed several methods to attain its objectives, such as the use of secondary data on the inventory of fishers, fish landing, and fisheries resource quality. Primary data were gathered through interview of fishers on their perception of the Saligang Pampangisdaan and its financial aspect. Methods of analysis such as Likert Scaling of response rates and Powell weighted average were likewise used to obtain the degree of concurrence or non-concurrence to the policy; the estimation of catch per unit effort and the maximum sustainable yield to validate fishers' viewpoint on productivity and the financial analysis to determine the impact of the Saligang Pampangisdaan on fisher's income.

In general, fisher's awareness and perception varied. Half of the respondent fishers said that was effective as a policy. However, a number of fishers perceived that the policy was insufficiently implemented as indicated by the catch per unit effort and the quality of catch. Despite the presence of Saligang Pampangisdaan, the catch per unit effort continues to increase even though the volume of catch also increases, which is an indication of overexploitation. The knowledge on MSY can help prevent the perceived over-harvesting. The effect of Saligang Pampangisdaan on the financial profitability of the municipal fisher for a period of twenty years and at an interest rate of 20% was very high. Even when subjected to change in catch and inclusion of the fishers' labor, the incremental net benefit would still break even. On the other hand, the effect of not fully implementing and complying with the Saligang Pampangisdaan is a benefit foregone by the fisher since there is no system that would mitigate undue harvesting that may lead to overexploitation of the resource. The inability to connect the policy to the welfare of the fishers or communicate to the level they easily appreciate made the Saligang Pampangisdaan a weak policy.