ENHANCING COMMUNITY RESPONSIVENESS ON

DAVAO GULF CLOSED SEASON IMPLEMENTATION IN

BARANGAY KAPUTIAN, ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL

SUBMITTED BY:
SHARON M. BAIDIANGO
DIVINA S. CRESCENCIO
LANI K. TE

AN APP PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT
DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY OF THE PHILIPPINES
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

MASTER IN PUBLIC MANAGEMENT MAJOR IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT

 DISCLAIMER

This is an official document of the Development Academy of the

Philippines Graduate School of Public and Development Management.

Quotations from, contractions, and reproduction of all or any part of this

document are not authorized without the specific permission from the Dean of

Graduate School of Public and Development Management.

The opinions, ideas and proposals expressed therein are those of the

student authors and do not necessarily express the official views of the

Development Academy of the Philippines Graduate School of Public and

Development Management or any other government agencies.

Reference to this work includes the foregoing instrument.

Development Academy of the Philippines

Graduate School of Public and Development Management

3/F DAP Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

 GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT
Institute of Public Management
Master in Public Management major in Rural Development

ENDORSEMENT

In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master in Public Management

major in Rural Development, this study entitled, “ENHANCING COMMUNITY

RESPONSIVENESS ON DAVAO GULF CLOSED SEASON

IMPLEMENTATION IN BARANGAY KAPUTIAN, ISLAND GARDEN CITY

OF SAMAL” has been prepared and submitted by SHARON M. BAIDIANGO,

DIVINA S. CRESCENCIO, AND LANI K. TE, the acceptance of which is

hereby endorsed.

GLORIA JUMAMIL-MERCADO, MNSA PhD

Adviser
 GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

Institute of Public Management

Master in Public Management Program

APPROVAL FORM

This Action Plan and Project (APP) entitled “ENHANCING COMMUNITY

RESPONSIVENESS ON DAVAO GULF CLOSED SEASON
IMPLEMENTATION IN BARANGAY KAPUTIAN, ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF
SAMAL” of SHARON M. BAIDIANGO, DIVINA S. CRESCENCIO, AND LANI
K. TE, has been successfully defended on MARCH 1, 2017.

MR. JERRY V. DELA CERNA GIMNASTE GLENN P. ADAJAR MD, MPH

Institutional Partner External Expert

TERESITA V. ATIENZA, PhD

Panel Chairperson

Accepted by:
THERESITA V. ATIENZA, PhD
Dean, GSPDM

Permission is given for the following people to have access to this paper:

Available to the general public Yes/ No

Available only after consultation with author/faculty adviser Yes/ No

Available only to those bound by confidentiality agreement Yes/ No

Students’ Signature : ____________________________________________

Signature of Faculty Adviser : __________________________________
 i

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors are very grateful for having been given the opportunity to
form part of the 3rd Batch of the Master in Public Management major in Rural
Development through the National Convergence Initiative Scholarship
Program.

To our families for their love, patience, understanding, and never-

ending support especially during the time of the RDAPP research and
implementation where our strength and perseverance were put to the test.

To our home agencies, the Bureau of Aquatic Resources XI headed by

Dr. Fatma M.Idris, CESO V, and the Provincial Fishery Office of Davao del
Norte, for the overflowing assistance we received. Your endorsement for us to
join the scholarship program was the initial step that put us to where we are
now. To our PENRO Orly T. Cariazo, of DENR Davao del Norte, for the trust
and confidence and the unending support given without counting the time
when we are out for our class schedule and project study. And also to our
Immediate Supervisors and co-officemates for understanding and ensuring
our work while we are away.

We are also thankful to the faculty of the four academe: the

Development Academy of the Philippines, Ateneo School of Government,
University of the Philippines and Xavier University who unselfishly imparted
their knowledge to us as students and into becoming better leaders in rural
development.

To the valuable suggestion of our adviser, USec Gloria Jumami-

Mercado, for making us realize that prior to knowing the socio-economic
impacts of the policy, looking into the responsiveness of the community and
how they accept the policy is the initial step in ensuring sustainability of the
Closed Season in Davao Gulf.
 ii

The driving force behind the policy on the Davao Gulf Closed Season,
Mr. Jerry dela Cerna and Mr. Jose Villanueva, who not only gave us the inputs
to our study, but also made us realize that one’s love to our country and the
environment is the ultimate driving force that motivates people to come up
with measures to help rebuild the environment as well as the lives of those in
the rural areas.

To our classmates in the program, whose strength and support enabled

us to push even more during times when we were about to give up, thank you
for your time and presence during the midnight candle burning sessions just
so we could meet the deadlines. Not only were we able to gain experience
and acquaintances-- we were able to gain friendship.

To the fisherfolk stakeholders in Barangay Kaputian, IGaCoS for their

cooperation and assistance especially during the conduct of survey where
they patiently guided and accompanied us during challenging times,
especially when we had difficulty in accessing several sitios. What we
gathered during our talks, their lamentations and hopes, reminded us that we
as government workers, need to be more driven and focused as there still is
so much more we can in order to help them.

The DA-ATI and the DENR Scholarship Division, for facilitating our
scholarship requirements and to the DAP Learning Team: Marichelle, Jaja, Tj,
Erika and the group for the constant reminders especially in the academic
requirements and for your extremely long patience in keeping up with our
complaints through the hardship of the entire program.

And most especially to our Almighty Lord, for providing us the will and
the heart to continue with our journey as MPMRD students and as
government rural workers--we give back the glory and honor to You.

ABSTRACT
 iii

SHARON M. BAIDIANGO, DIVINA S. CRESCENCIO, LANI K. TE. MARCH

2017. ENHANCING COMMUNITY RESPONSIVENESS ON DAVAO GULF
CLOSED SEASON IMPLEMENTATION IN BARANGAY KAPUTIAN, ISLAND
GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL. Development Academy of the Philippines, 3/F
DAP Bldg., San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

Adviser: USec Gloria Jumamil-Mercado, MNSA, PhD

The project management cycle has almost always been used as the

key project management tool to carry out and meet the project’s ultimate

objective. This is the same tool which government agencies utilize during the

implementation of programs, projects and policies. However, the cycle is

comprised of several steps, and it is the absence or the lack of, one of these

steps that either make or break the attainment of the goal or purpose of the

program, project or policy.

In the case of the Davao Gulf Closed Season, intensive scientific study

has been made to rationalize its implementation. However, three years after

its implementation, and even if scientific study show that an increase in the

number and sizes of fish in the gulf, many stakeholders still lack accurate

information about the policy. Apathy with regard to the policy has stemmed

from the lack of knowledge about the Davao Gulf Closed Season which also

resulted to the unsuccessful implementation of the policy, especially in the

eyes of the fisherfolk stakeholders.

This study assessed the baseline level of awareness, knowledge and

attitude of the fisherfolk stakeholders in Barangay Kaputian, Island Garden

 iv

City of Samal which posed a direct influence towards their responsiveness to

the Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation. The strategy is to listen to the

people on the ground, look into the existing advocacy strategies being

implemented by the government, and come up with recommendations and

moves to help attain sustainability of the policy being implemented with regard

to the Closed Season.

A three-year advocacy plan as well as policy recommendations to the

TWG of the Davao Gulf Closed Season will be formulated and prepared for

submission and adoption by the agencies concerned. With the commitment

and collaboration of all stakeholders, a collaborative public management and

participatory governance towards the sustainable implementation of the

Davao Gulf Closed Season will be attained.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Disclaimer
 v

Endorsement Sheet

Approval Sheet

Acknowledgment …………………………………………… i

Abstract …………………………………………………… iii

Table of Contents …………………………………………… v

List of Tables …………………………………………… vii

List of Figures …………………………………………… viii

List of Appendices …………………………………………… ix

List of Acronyms …………………………………………… x

CHAPTER I – THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

1.1 Background of the Project …………………………… 1

1.2 Problem Statement …………………………………… 7

1.3 Significance of the Study …………………………… 8

1.4 Scope and Limitation …………………………………… 10

1.5 Definition of Terms …………………………………… 11

CHAPTER II – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Related Literature Review

2.1.1 Management Related Concepts…………………… 13

2.1.2 Fisheries Conservation & Management…………… 15

2.1.3 Closed Season in Fisheries …………………… 17

2.1.4 Advocacy Programs ………………………………… 24

2.1.5 Community Responsiveness and the Levels of
Awareness Knowledge and Attitude (AKA) ………….. 28

2.2 Synthesis and Gaps …………………………………….. 30

2.2 Conceptual Framework …………………………………… 31

 vi

CHAPTER III – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND FRAMEWORK

3.1 Research Design …………………………………….. 37

3.2 Locale of the Study …………………………………….. 37

3.3 Unit of the Study …………………………………….. 39

3.4 Data Collection Procedure ………………………………. 40

3.5 Tools of Analysis ……………………………………... 40

3.6 Research Framework ……………………………………… 42

CHAPTER IV. FINDINGS and ANALYSIS

4.1 Findings ……………………………………………………… 43

4.2 Analysis ……………………………………………………… 57

CHAPTER V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary of Findings ……………………………………… 62

5.2 Conclusion ……………………………………………… 63

5.3 Recommendations ……………………………………… 64

5.4 Action Plan and Project …………………………………….. 70

5.5 Leadership Journey ……………………………………… 80

REFERENCES ………………………………………………. 83

APPENDICES ………………………………………………. 86

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

LIST OF TABLES

Table Page
No.

1 Level of AKA on Environment Conservation & …………………..

43
 vii

Davao Gulf Closed Season

2 Mean % & SD of of AKA Respondents …………………………. 44

3 Relationship bet. Age & AKA ………………………………………. 46

4 Relationship bet. Gender & AKA …………………………………… 47

5 Relationship bet. Educational Attainment & AKA ………………… 48

6 Relationship bet. Years in Fishing & AKA ………………………… 48

7 Frequency & %of Medium of Information ………………………… 50

8 Frequency & % of Sources of Information ………………………. 51

9 Matrix of the Action Plan and Project …………………………. 70

10 Stakeholders’ Analysis …………………………………..…….. 72

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page
No.

1 Conceptual Framework on Enhancing Community

Responsiveness on Davao Gulf Closed Season
 viii

Implementation in Barangay Kaputian, Island

Garden City of Samal ………………………………… 33

2 Map of Davao Gulf ………………………………………… 38

3 Map of Island Garden City of Samal ………………… 39

4 Framework of Analysis ………………………………… 42

5 Mean Level of AKA ………………………………………… 45

6 Comparison on the level of AKA on Environmental

Conservation & Davao Gulf Closed Season ……………. 46

7 Correlation Analysis bet. Age & AKA …………………….. 47

8 Correlation Analysis bet. Gender & AKA …………………. 47

9 Correlation Analysis bet. Educational

Attainment & AKA ………………………………………….. 48

10 Correlation Analysis bet. Years in

Fishing & AKA ……………………………………………... 49

11 Percent Distribution of Medium of

Information on Davao Gulf Closed Season………………. 51

12 Percent Distribution of Sources of Information

On Davao Gulf Closed Season ………………………… 52

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix Page
No.

1 Draft 3-Year Advocacy Plan on Davao Gulf

Closed Season Implementation ……………………….. 86
 ix

2 Joint DA-DILG No. 02 series of 2014

“Establishing a Closed Season for the
Conservation of Small Pelagic Fishes in Davao Gulf”…. 92

3 Questionnaires ……………………………………….. 97
A. Survey
B. KII
C. FGD

4 Sample Letters / Emails ……………………………….. 105

5 Photo Documentation ……………………………… 112

6 Other Relevant Documents ……………………….. 122

A. News Articles

LIST OF ACRONYMS

AKA Awareness,Knowledge and Attitude

BFAR Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

BFARMC Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management

Council
 x

BOATR Boat Registration

CENRO City Environment and Natural Resources Office

CFARMC City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management

Council

CRM Coastal Resources Management

DA Department of Agriculture

DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DGMC Davao Gulf Management Council

DILG Department of Interior and Local Government

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

FARMC Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council

FGD Focus Group Discussion

FISHR Fisherfolk Registration

GSI Gonado Somatic Index

IEC Information, Education and Communication

IGaCoS Island Garden City of Samal

JAO Joint Administrative Order

KII Key Informant Interview

LGU Local Government Unit

MFARMC Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management

Council
NGA National Government Agency

NGO Non Government Organization

PENRO Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office

RDAPP Rural Development Action Plan and Project

QRT Quick Response Team

TWG Technical Working Group

 xi

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

 1

CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS CONTEXT

“Fishing grounds have long been victims of what economists benignly

dub the "tragedy of the commons," the idea that individuals ultimately destroy
shared resources even if that destruction hurts all involved. In the case of the
oceans, fishermen try to catch as many fish as possible because if they don't,
others will. Since the 1950s, more than 70 percent of the world's fisheries
have become overexploited or significantly depleted, according to
researchers.” (Kingsbury, 2010)

1.1 Background

The 2016 State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture World Review

states that based on 2013 data analysis by the FAO, 31.4% of fish stocks

were estimated as fished at a biologically unsustainable level and are either

fully exploited or overexploited. This, coupled by population growth as well as

destruction of coastal and marine resources, has resulted to issues

concerning poverty and food security especially for those relying mostly on

artisanal and small-scale fisheries.

The Philippines, being archipelagic in nature and endowed with vast

fishery resources, is also referred to as a world hotspot of marine biodiversity

(Randall 1998; Carpenter and Springer 2005; Hoeksema 2007; Carpenter et

al.2011). It considers fishing as an important source of livelihood as natural

resources abound the waters surrounding it. However, despite the vastness

of its fishing grounds, the fisheries sector is identified as the poorest basic

sector with a poverty incidence of 39.2% based on the 2012 report by the

National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB). The fisheries sector is mostly

vulnerable as the Philippine Agenda 21 assessed:

 2

The fisherfolk suffer from the continuing over-exploitation and

destruction of coastal resources and fishing grounds, leading to
declining catch; encroachment into municipal waters by local and
foreign commercial fishing vessels against which they cannot compete;
and, the further reduction of freshwater fishing grounds caused by
illegal structures.”

In the country, fishing communities are characterized by low levels of

social and economic conditions. Access to basic social services such as

health and sanitation, education and employment opportunities are

inadequate. Moreover, most of these fisherfolk do not have the rights to

properties where they live and the few assets they possess are boats and

equipment which are at constant risk with the hazards of their occupation and

nature’s unpredictability. And although the state recognizes the contributions

of artisanal and small-scale fisherfolk to food security, employment and

income, their rights to a secure and just livelihood is not appropriately

protected.

In municipal fisheries where artisanal and small-scale fisherfolk

abound, commercial fishing vessels enter the municipal fishing grounds,

thereby giving the small scale unfair competition to fisheries resources.

Oftentimes, these commercial fishing vessels are the ones who exploit and

damage the fishing grounds which is the only source of livelihood of these

marginalized fisherfolk.

Paragraph 7.6.10 of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries

assert that States and sub-regional and regional fisheries management

organizations and arrangements, in the framework of their respective

 3

competences, should introduce measures for depleted resources and those

resources threatened with depletion that facilitate the sustained recovery of

such stocks which would also address the issue on poverty alleviation and

food security. They should make every effort to ensure that resources and

habitats critical to the well-being of such resources which have been

adversely affected by fishing or other human activities are restored.

With this, the government has come up with several policy regulations

in hopes of making the fishing industry more sustainable by addressing issues

concerning food security, poverty alleviation, as well as conservation and

protection of fisheries resources. This includes the imposition of catch limits,

licensing of fishing boats, establishment of fish sanctuaries, and the

implementation of closed fishing season, among others.

One such example of a policy regulation being implemented in the

country is the establishment of closed season in conservation areas as a

fisheries management and conservation measure. This is based on the

premise that the fishery resources, after being given time to rehabilitate and

regenerate, would result to higher chances for the fish to spawn and result to

an increase in the volume of fish in the wild.

In Mindanao, the Davao Gulf is a critical source of livelihood for five

coastal cities and 18 coastal municipalities in the region. But due to the

increase in the number of economic and business activities along the gulf
 4

alongside increase in population and per capita protein consumption from fish,

deficiency in the region’s fish supply has been observed.

This led to the conduct of a study on the Assessment of Small Pelagic

Fisheries of Davao Gulf, Philippines and Gonado Somatic Index (GSI) of

selected small pelagic fish species. A scientific evaluation was conducted by

the DA-BFAR, through its National Stock Assessment Program, following the

strong clamor and demand from various stakeholders and civil society.

Results of the study show that the Gulf is subjected to fishing efforts

that is already beyond its Maximum Potential Yield (MPY) and that it is

imperative that conservation measures must be put in place to rehabilitate

and regenerate fishery resources. After the study showed results of deplete

on based on a 10-year series of historical catches in the gulf, the Joint DA-

DILG Administrative Order 02 series of 2014 established the Closed Season

for Conservation of Small Pelagic Fishes in the Davao Gulf was approved on

May 15, 2014 where it was declared unlawful for any person, association, or

corporation to catch, or caught or taken, any small pelagic fishes using ringnet

and bagnet and/or modified fishing gears with similar fishing operations during

the closed season from June 01 to August 31, commencing in the year 2014

and or thereafter, subject to the outcome of the peer review before and after

said closed season.

In order to inform the public and encourage stakeholder participation

during the yearly implementation of the Closed Season, Information Education

 5

and Communication (IEC) campaign has been heightened prior to the period

covered by the said policy. Conduct of forums, seaborne patrol led by the

BFAR, radio and tv guestings, and dissemination of materials is one of the

main task the BFAR Quick Response Team is expected to accomplish.

However, three years after its initial implementation, a number of

fisherfolk still frequented the BFAR Regional Office to seek clarification on the

prohibitions of the policy. This more or less show that not all stakeholders are

aware and informed about the Davao Gulf Closed Season and that they do

not know the importance of the role they play as well as the specific measures

so that they can proactively adapt to the provisions set by the policy. It is due

to the gap in knowledge that it would be impossible to successfully implement

the Davao Gulf Closed Season.

Ineffective acquisition of information from the grassroots prior to the

implementation of a program or policy, followed by relay of information from

the the top-down relative to concept of the program or policy being

implemented, back again to information exchange-- asking people on the

ground about their feedback in order to effectively carry out the intervention as

well, is what has oftentimes been mislooked by government implementors.

We often forget that by listening to their voice and making them feel that they

are co-implementors of the program or policy, would result to greater chances

of sustainable project or policy implementation.

 6

Most often than not, government solicit stakeholder response and

encourage participation only during the formulation phase of an intervention.

What government repeatedly fails to see is that people’s awareness and

participation is crucial in ensuring that project or policy sustainability will be

attained. Principle 10 of the United Nations Conference on Environment and

Development in Rio 1992 identifies community responsiveness and

participation as one of the important factors to address and resolve

environmental issues by referring that:

“Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all

concerned citizens, at the relevant level. At the national level, each individual
shall have appropriate access to information concerning the environment that
is held by public authorities and opportunity to participate in decision-making
processes. State shall facilitate and encourage public awareness and
participation by making information widely available”

This is one of the reasons why, despite strategies and financial

allocation from the government, most government programs and policies still

fail. This is because the success of government programs and legislation

would also be dependent on how well the public, especially those directly

affected, understand and respond to the intervention being implemented. And

this is what has been overlooked by the government in the Davao Gulf Closed

Season implementation. BFAR has been focused on the technical aspect of

the policy, which is on the conservation and rehabilitation of fish stock in the

gulf. And indeed the efforts have proven to be effective as increase in

population of fish and fish size has been observed following its

implementation.
 7

However, how well the policy has been understood and embraced by

the stakeholders, how to enhance their awareness, knowledge and attitude

through improving current advocacy strategies still need to be looked into.

Enhancing community responsiveness by appropriate interventions in the

advocacy program would result to collaborative public management and

participatory governance to programs and policies centered on environmental

conservation and protection. And this is what the authors, as employees of

National Government Agencies mandated to achieve sustainable

development, would like to look into.

1.2 Problem Statement

The study intends to enhance the community responsiveness on

Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation in Brgy. Kaputian, Island Garden

City of Samal to achieve stakeholder participation and sustainable

development.

Specifically, the study seeks to answer the following:

a. What is the level of awareness, knowledge and attitude (AKA) of

the Barangay Kaputian, IGaCoS fisherfolk and what are the

existing advocacy strategies for the Davao Gulf Closed Season

implementation?

b. What are the gaps in the advocacy strategies that need to be

resolved to enhance community responsiveness to Davao Gulf

Closed Season implementation?

 8

c. What are the interventions needed to enhance community

responsiveness in Brgy. Kaputian, IGaCoS?

1.3 Significance of the Study

Assessment of the baseline awareness, knowledge and attitude

towards the Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation of the advocacy

programs in relation to the Davao Gulf Closed Season will be done in order to

come up with strategies and effective measures to raise awareness and

encourage adherence to the policy.

Policy intervention would come by drafting a policy recommendation to

provide provisions for the organization and composition of the team that would

ensure effective advocacy campaign on JAO 02 as the transitory provision of

JAO 02 calls for the conduct of a peer review. This would be submitted to the

BFAR Regional Office XI as amendment of the order can be adjusted

depending if the peer review favor the recommendation based on the findings

presented.

Areas of collaboration and convergence of National Government

Agencies, the Local Government Units, with respect to the mandate of the

National Convergence Initiative, in the form of a three-year Advocacy Plan for

the Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation will be drafted and will form

part of the policy recommendation for adoption by the Technical Working

Group of the Davao Gulf Closed Season.

 9

As the main stakeholders of the Davao Gulf Closed Season, the

baseline level of awareness, knowledge and attitude of the fisherfolk of

Barangay Kaputian in IGaCos will be assessed and their inputs regarding the

current advocacy programs being implemented will be utilized where the

advocacy program and policy recommendation will take its roots.

By coming up with the appropriate advocacy plan fitting to the needs of

the fisherfolk stakeholders, government agencies will be able to give the

awareness and knowledge, as well as instill the right attitude, to enhance

community responsiveness not only to the Davao Gulf Closed Season but

also in environmental conservation in general. By making their feedback

heard, they would be encouraged to take more involvement in the policy as

they would now feel that they are the co-implementors of the Davao Gulf

Closed Season.

Empowerment on the part of the marginalized fisherfolks and becoming

advocates to improve community participation relative to fisheries

conservation can help them lobby their needs through identification and

request projects that they feel they need due to interventions such as the

closed season, as well as due to the impacts of climate change.

And because stakeholder participation is essential in the success of a

policy, government agencies will once again be reminded on the importance

of an effective and participatory advocacy program as this is one aspect in the

 10

project management cycle that is oftentimes disregarded or given minimal

importance.

And lastly, as rural development workers, we will be able to

recommend appropriate interventions and policy provisions to the agencies or

organizations concerned. Also, results of this RDAPP can be used as a basis

for replication to other or all areas covered by Davao Gulf Closed Season

implementation.

1.4 Scope and Limitations

The study will focus on enhancing community responsiveness on the

implementation of Davao Gulf Closed Season in Barangay Kaputian, Island

Garden City of Samal. Documents/data gathered from concerned National

and Local Government Agencies as well as official reports and studies relative

to the policy as well as data to be gathered from the stakeholders through the

conduct of surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions are done from

October 2016 to January 2017.

. The study would be limited to those that reside in Barangay Kaputian

in IGaCoS. The Island Garden City of Samal was selected as it is strategically

located in the center of the Davao Gulf. The study area is identified to be

comprised of fishing communities which are directly affected by the

implementation of the Closed season as they engage in the capture of small

pelagic fishes and utilize bagnet and ringnet.

 11

Key informants to be interviewed will be limited to those from BFAR,

LGU, CFARMC and fisherfolk leaders who has adequate knowledge,

significant involvement and contribution to the Davao Gulf Closed Season.

Fisherfolk associations and Local Government Unit officials will be targeted to

participate during the conduct of Focus Group Discussion.

Assessment of the stakeholders’ baseline awareness, knowledge and

attitude on environmental conservation and the Davao Gulf Closed Season

implementation will be done. All other aspects not mentioned in the afore-

mentioned scope will not be included in the study.

1.5 Definition of Terms

Advocacy – refers to information and activities pertaining to the promotion of

environmental conservation and Davao Gulf Closed Season policy.

Advocacy Programs - refers to the advocacy efforts and activities designed

to disseminate information and distribution of IEC materials for the promotion
and implementation of the Davao Gulf Closed Season policy. It includes
conduct of forums, meetings and seminars, conduct of monitoring and
surveillance through seaborne patrol, distribution of IEC materials( brochures,
pamphlets, comic strips, tarpaulins) and use of mass media (print, TV and
radio);

Attitude - acquisition of values, feelings and motivations towards the

environment and the Davao Gulf Closed Season; balance between social
responsibility and environmental regulations and political actions taken to
protect the environment;
 12

Awareness - defined as concern and sensitivity towards the environment.

Has implications for the way in which people acquire the information,
perceived it and expressed concern;

Barangay Kaputian – one of the coastal barangays in Kaputian District of the

Island Garden City of Samal ;

Closed Season - a specific period during which fishing is legally prohibited to

give ample time for the fisheries stock to spawn;

Community – refers to a group of fisherfolk who engage in municipal fishing

activities and those employed and operate bagnet and reside in Brgy.
Kaputian, IGACoS;

Community responsiveness – is associated with the levels of awareness,

knowledge and attitude that influence the degree of participation, involvement
and interest of the community towards environmental conservation and the
Davao Gulf Closed Season policy;

Davao Gulf- a gulf in the Pacific Ocean which runs from Talagotong Point in
Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental to Cape San Agustin in Governor
Generoso, Davao Oriental ;

Enhance – to improve, to increase;

Knowledge - understanding of the basic fundamentals about environmental

conservation and the Davao Gulf Closed Season;

Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) - a city in the Province of Davao del
Norte which is strategically located in the heart of the Davao Gulf;

Chapter 2
 13

2.1 Review of Related Literature

2.1.1 Review of Management Concepts

The management concept utilized in this study were collaborative

public management and participatory governance to assess and

determine the status of community responsiveness relative to the advocacy

programs/ efforts implemented for the sustainable use of fisheries and aquatic

resources in Davao Gulf.

To achieve sustainable development collaboration and participation of

all stakeholders are required especially in dealing with complex issues

concerning the state of the environment and natural resources.(United

Nations 2008). The issues we face are so big and the targets are so

challenging that we cannot do it alone. When you look at any issue, such as

food or water scarcity, it is very clear that no individual institution, government

or company can provide the solution. (Polman, P. 2012).

Sustainable development is referred to as development which must be

carried out continuously without damaging the rights of future generations. In

other words, sustainable development can be explained by development that

meets the needs of present without compromising the ability of future

generations to meet their own needs (Wahida et al. 2004). To achieve a

balance between environmental elements and claims held by people living in

one community, cooperation and collective actions are required to address the

issues and come up with appropriate solutions for it. Unification of thought
 14

and opinion is needed to implement sustainable development as it involves

not only the government institutions but also require support from professional

groups, public sectors, environmental organizations and all individual in the

society (Hamidi et al. 2003).

Collaborative public management recognized the relationship of multi-

agencies (local and national) in addressing complex problems through

strategic partnerships alliances and etc. to meet public demands. (Agranoff,

R. & McGuire, M.,2003). Since the Davao Gulf Closed Season is a

Convergence Program between the DA-BFAR, DILG and the Local

Government Units of the 18 coastal municipalities and cities surrounding the

gulf, collaboration among these public agencies is required to achieve the

desired outcome of having more responsive communities towards the

implementation of the Davao Gulf Closed Season Policy. Collaborative public

management is essential in achieving sustainable rural development, it allows

all the stakeholders of the community to work collectively and harmoniously

with one another and address issues and concerns effectively.

More importantly participatory governance will allow community

stakeholders to participate pro-actively in activities concerning the community.

In participatory governance, citizens are engaged in public venues at a variety

of times, thus allowing them to be involved in policy formation,

selection, and oversight. These will generate new forms of interactions

among citizens as well as between citizens and government officials.

(Wampler, B., McNulty, S., 2012). These two management concept are
 15

important in the context of this study. A baseline data on the level of

awareness, knowledge and attitude will be established to gauge the extent of

the effort of the advocacy program on environment conservation and the

Davao Gulf Closed Season provided to the fisherfolk community by all

implementing partners.

While BFAR is the lead agency in the implementation of the Closed

Season and is assumed to take the lead in the dissemination of public

information on fisheries and aquatic resources conservation including the

Davao Gulf Closed Season, it is important also to look into how partner

agencies have done in the context of information dissemination and advocacy

promotion. This will provide implementers and stakeholders the information to

further enhance the advocacy program and improve community

responsiveness through collaboration and participation.

2.1.2 Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Conservation

Recognizing the current state of fisheries resources which are now

considerably exhausted,(FAO 2016), conservation and management

measures are developed based on scientific data and are implemented to

address the various issues. Since Fisheries resources are common property

resources subjected to open access exploitation, it requires cooperation

among all levels of government, from the local, national and international

communities for effective regulation and management.(Mutunga, C. 2002).

The management of many fisheries is guided by sound scientific stock

assessments, which are used as a basis for making management decisions to

 16

achieve sustainable harvest and other management goals. (Salomon, K.,

et.al.,2011)

Promotion through advocacy programs have been implemented by

various government and non-government agencies raising awareness on the

conservation and protection of fisheries and aquatic resources and the

endangered and important marine aquatic flora and fauna.(Cooke, S.J.,et.al.

2013).

The Philippine Fisheries Code (RA 8550) ensure the rational and

sustainable development, management and conservation of the fishery and

aquatic resources in Philippine waters including the Exclusive Economic Zone

(EEZ) and in the adjacent high seas, consistent with the primordial objective

of maintaining a sound ecological balance, protecting and enhancing the

quality of the environment.(www.bfar.gov.ph). The law was further improved

through an amendment (RA 10654). The amendment to the Fisheries Code

contains stricter and tougher penalties for fisheries violations and illegal

activities. Five salient features of the amended Fisheries Code are: 1.) harvest

control mechanisms to limit fishing efforts based on the health of fishing

grounds, such as the establishment of area and time restrictions for fishing,

2.) the establishment of Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) for Commercial

Fishing vessel to monitor time and location such that it will deter illegal fishing

operations in municipal waters, 3.) the amended fisheries code is in

compliance with the International Fisheries Standard set by the European

Union (EU) warning when they issued the Philippines with a yellow card for
 17

the rampant illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities in Philippine

waters, 4.) tougher penalties and very high fines not just in thousands but

millions as reparation for the destruction it cause to the fisheries resources

that would take decades to recover, and 5.) emphasis on the prohibitions of

endangered and threatened species under the Convention on the

International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Flora and Fauna,

or those categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature

and Natural Resources. (www.bfar.gov.ph)

The amended Fisheries Code therefore provides a strong deterrent for

fishers to engage in IUUF fishing activities giving the country a better chance

to rehabilitate fish stocks and a more equitable approach to fisheries

utilization. Added to that, various inter-agency collaboration among

government agencies, NGOs and LGUs is increasingly practiced which

specifically address a particular fishery related issue in a particular area. With

active collaboration and coordination various policies and regulations were

formulated and developed all over the country to intensify conservation and

management for the sustainable use of fisheries resources.

2.1.3 Closed Season in Fisheries

According to the definition given by the free dictionary, closed seasons

are periods within which no fishing, hunting or capture of a specified animal is

allowed by law. Generally, closed fishing season are periods which coincide

with the peak breeding seasons of the species and are so instituted to allow

the animals to mature and revive its population. (van Overzee, H.M.J. &
 18

Rijnsdorp, A.D., 2015). This mechanism of conservation allows specific stocks

to rehabilitate its population by allowing it to reproduce. It is a management

strategy that has the purpose to reduce or limit fishing effort which would

supposedly result to increase in stock size (Beets & Manuel, 2007).

The Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries has the general

principle that “states should prevent overfishing and excess fishing capacity

and should implement management measures to ensure that fishing effort is

commensurate with the productive capacity of the fishery resources and their

sustainable utilization.” Thus, area and time restriction such as the

establishment of closed fishing season for a particular fishery species and

fishing ground is a management measure for fisheries that can answer to the

objectives of the Code. Likewise, the amended Philippine Fisheries Code

gave emphasis on the institutionalization of harvest control mechanism in

fisheries which is based on scientific studies and evidences.

Globally, the establishment of closed season has been widely

implemented especially for depleted species with high economic value. US

Fisheries Management Council use this as a management strategy for diverse

assemblages and individual species such as the Closed Season for

Deepwater bottom fish in Hawaii, Pacific tuna, Groupers in South Atlantic,

Pacific Whiting along the US West Coast and shrimp throughout the United

States.(Beets and Manuel, 2007). In addition to this, closed season are also

used to restrict specific fishing gear and fishing ground/area.

 19

The above closed season regimes instituted by the US Fisheries

Management Council has been studied and documented. Scientific and social

studies were conducted on the biological, environmental, social and economic

aspects of the proposed regulations. The outcome of the establishment of

closed season is dependent on the factors or indicators that would be affected

by the regulation which in the case of the US is constantly reviewed and

evaluated for improvement. A Regulatory Impact Review (RIR) is required by

the US Government through the National Fisheries Marine Service for every

regulatory actions proposed and implemented. This mechanism to evaluate

and assess the impact of a given policy on fisheries regulation ensures its

effectiveness to achieve sustainable fisheries production.

In the Philippines, establishment of conservation measures such as

declaring closed season for a particular fishing ground or species has been

actively and strongly lobbied and proposed by some civil society groups and

even the LGUs. The country, in particular, through the Bureau of Fisheries and

Aquatic Resources has been implementing a number of closed seasons in

coordination and collaboration with other concerned agencies such as the

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Maritime Police, trained fisheries

law enforcers and local counterparts.

One of this is the seasonal closure with size-catch limits implemented

to sustain the reef-food-fish trade in Palawan with particular emphasis on the

Coral trout or Grouper. Through scientific studies conducted by the Palawan

Council for Sustainable Development and the Palawan State University

 20

together with the Provincial Government of Palawan, the spawning season of

the target species and its length of maturity was documented. The biological

and environmental aspect of the target species for regulation has been

studied and documented which was used to support the policy for closed

season and its complimentary control mechanism on size catch limit.

Consultation with concerned industry stakeholders and local government units

were conducted to solicit their recommendations and support in the passing of

the regulatory policy. However, despite numerous studies and consultation,

impact assessment in terms of the social and economic aspect were not

looked into to assess the effect it will have on the industry and its direct

stakeholders particularly the marginalized fisherfolk.

The 3-month (December-February) closed season for the fishing of

“tamban” (Sardinella), a species used for processing sardines in Zamboanga,

has been successfully and strictly implemented yearly since 2011. According

to BFAR 9, despite its effect on thousands of workers in sardine factories and

fishing fleets, saved an estimated 190 million pesos worth of sardines yearly

in which the benefits outweighs the cost. Since 2011, the impact that the

policy on the closed season of sardines, can be observed through the visible

and apparent increase in volume of catch. However, the impacts it has on the

social and economic conditions of not just the industry in general but the

fishing communities affected, in particular the marginalized fisherfolk, has not

been given equal importance. The question on how it affected the social

perspective and economic condition of marginalized fisherfolk of Zamboanga

before, during and after the closed season.

 21

Another seasonal closure with gear restriction was a result of a

scientific study on the Assessment of Small Pelagic Fisheries of Davao Gulf in

the Philippines and Gonado Somatic Index (GSI) of selected small pelagic fish

species conducted by the DA-BFAR through its National Stock Assessment

Program. The study was in response to the strong clamor and demand from

various stakeholders and civil society with the apparent decline in fish

production due to habitat degradation and illegal fishing activities in the Gulf.

Results of the study showed that the Gulf is subjected to fishing efforts

that is already beyond its Maximum Potential Yield (MPY) and that it is

imperative that conservation measures must be put in place to rehabilitate

and regenerate fishery resources. Consequently, an oceanographic survey

further supported the study showing results of high abundance of fish larvae

in various areas within the Davao Gulf and that small pelagic fishes exhibited

spawning events during the months of June to August.

After the study showed results of depletion based on a 10-year series

of historical catches in the gulf, the Joint DA-DILG Administrative Order 02

series of 2014 established the Closed Season for Conservation of Small

Pelagic Fishes in the Davao Gulf was approved on May 15, 2014 where it was

declared unlawful for any person, association, or corporation to catch, or

caught or taken, any small pelagic fishes using ringnet and bagnet and/or

modified fishing gears with similar fishing operations during the closed season

from June 01 to August 31, commencing in the year 2014 and or thereafter,
 22

subject to the outcome of the peer review before and after said closed

season.

Municipal fisheries using municipal fishing gears such as hook and line,

multiple handline and tuna handline are allowed during closed season while

commercial fisheries within the gulf is banned. The closed season is therefore

advantageous to municipal fisherfolk for they have benefited from the

resources without the competition of commercial fishing. The 10% fishing

effort exerted by municipal fisheries is very minimal compared to the almost

90% effort caused by commercial fishing operation within the gulf. This

conservation effort allowed the fisheries stocks within the gulf to recover and

regenerate in terms of population and quality. Displaced commercial fishing

operators were given support in the form of livelihood projects and inputs

were provided to those affected fisherfolk, small fisherfolk on board as crew of

commercial fishing vessels. Deep-sea fish aggregating devices (Payao)

installed in strategic locations along the pacific coast and the Celebes Sea of

the Davao Region were also provided for commercial fishing vessels to assist

them in their fishing operations.

Following its second year of implementation, scientific studies have

shown that there is an increase in the volume of small pelagic fish that can be

attributed to the implementation of the closed season. The Local Government

Units of the areas covered by JAO No. 02 has lauded the efforts by the Office

relative to the implementation of the closed season. They have attributed the

success to the constant seaborne patrol being conducted by the Office which
 23

provided visibility as well as the strong Information, Education and

Communication (IEC) campaign by the Office to disseminate the information

relative to the implementation of the said policy.

No doubt that signs to the achievement of the goal relative to the

implementation of the said policy is slowly becoming visible. Results

conducted to gauge the effect of the implementation show that there is a

gradual yet visible increase in the catch and volume of fish landings in Davao

Gulf following the closure.

However, amidst positive feedback from fisherfolk as well as increase

in size and volume were recorded from BFAR monitored Fish Landing sites,

the level of awareness of not just local fisherfolk and stakeholders but regular

citizens in the region regarding this subject has not been assessed nor

evaluated. Although the implementation of the JAO has been successful with

the strong collaboration and support of all stakeholders, LGUs, fisherfolk,

academe and civil society, the need to maintain joint accountability is

necessary to continuously manage the gulf. There is still the need to

strengthen LGUs in the management of their municipal waters especially in

the implementation of fisheries laws and regulations.

As such, most of the fisheries regulatory policies are formulated and

crafted based on the result of scientific studies on the environmental aspect of

a given issue or problem. Data on resource trend as reflected in the

abundance and volume of fish catch and the determination of the Maximum

Sustainable Yield (MSY) of a particular fishing ground are used to support

 24

these policies. However, there is no study yet on how communities respond to

this regulatory policies for fisheries particularly in terms the human cognitive

and behavioural aspect. Moreover, the extent of advocacy programs to

promote closed season policies in a number of major fishing grounds in the

country has not been studied so as to significantly measure how effective

these policies are in mobilizing communities to actively participate and take

part in achieving the goal of sustainable development.

2.1.4 Advocacy Programs

In this study, Advocacy programs refers to the set of activities and

strategies to promote the concept of the Davao Gulf Closed Season. It

includes all the public information, education and communication campaigns

and efforts provided and conducted, and the increase monitoring and

surveillance of Fisheries Law Enforcement Team within the Gulf.

Advocacy programs are critical in effectively mobilizing and raising the

awareness of stakeholders. www.unicef.org. It is central to any project or

programs and an important component of the Project management cycle.

Advocacy in the form of information must be properly and effectively

communicated to promote comprehension and understanding of its intention

and to achieve the ultimate purpose of which is always to gain a response

from your audience. (Lee Dellinger,L.K. 2012).

Advocacy as defined in the free dictionary, is a process that seeks to

ensure that people particularly those who are most vulnerable in society, are
 25

able to have their voice heard on issues that are relevant, defend and

safeguard their rights, able to access information and explore their choices

and options in important matters concerning their lives.

A well-planned and well-positioned advocacy program campaign has

the capacity to trigger wide-scale behavioural changes and even affect and

influence government policy. (www.apsc.gov.au/publications-and-media)

Engaging and partnering with other organizations and communities

help maximize the effects of advocacy promotion. Working hand-in-hand with

other groups allows you to benefit from their expertise or influence, making

your advocacy more impactful. (http://www.m2comms.com.)

One of the most important actions, when it comes to increasing the

environmental awareness of citizens, is the correct transmission of data and

information through advocacy tools. It may be useful to state the definition of

environmental information: “Any information available in any form, written,

visual or audio, or contained in a database, regarding the state of waters, the

soil, fauna, flora, the territory and natural spaces, as well as activities,

including those that are harmful, or measures that have, or could have, a

negative impact on the aforementioned environmental components, plus

activities, administrative measures and programs for the management of the

environment”( www.isprambiente.gov.it)
 26

Successful advocacy campaigns enable disempowered and

disenfranchised citizens to become effective change agents for influencing

policy that impacts their lives. Effective advocacy in learning societies requires

participatory decision-making and skilled communication among individuals

and organizations working together to generate positive change based on a

shared vision. Nancy (Flowers, N. & Goyal, R., 2001)

The foundation of a successful advocacy campaign is a flexible

partnership in which individuals collaborate in decision-making and decision-

implementation. A campaign’s impact and effectiveness depend on principled

leaders who share power with team members, engage in dialogue, and foster

trust. An effective advocacy campaign is citizen-initiated and citizen-centered.

It seeks to create change by drawing attention to a problem and directing

policy- makers to a solution. Using participatory, transparent, and accountable

decision-making processes, successful advocacy brings about a change in

the policy decisions that affect people’s lives. (Jordan and Russel, 2014).

The Davao Gulf Closed Season Advocacy program utilized different

media to promote its objective to rehabilitate and conserve the Davao Gulf.

Conduct of monitoring and surveillance within the jurisdiction of the policy is

intensified during the closed season period. This is a deterrence strategy to

reduce if not prevent illegal fishing activities. (Pomeroy, R.S. & Andrew, N.,

2011 p. 198)
 27

Other forms of advocacy medium are the use of IEC materials

(pamphlets, print ads, brochures, posters and tarpaulins).These are

distributed to fisherfolk and communities.(Vargas, S.R. Asetre, A.V., 2011).

Forums, seminars and consultation meeting are also good venue to promote

advocacy among constituents. It is a form of communicating by information

dissemination that will spontaneously generate participation and action.

(Mason, D.P., 2015).

To go beyond advocacy, we need to identify whether and how the

approach can stimulate the uptake and use of new ecosystem knowledge

(Jordan and Russel,2014). Essentially, advocacy can help individuals get the

information they need, understand their rights, make their own choices and

perhaps, most importantly, voice their opinions. (www.iriss.org.uk). It is an

important component of any program/project because an effective advocacy

program will strengthen a community’s understanding and responsiveness

towards active participation and involvement. This enables sustainability and

proper implementation on their end. Furthermore, this makes them not only

beneficiaries, but advocators of the cause as well. (Buckley, S. 2010).

2.1.5 Community Responsiveness and the Levels of Awareness

Knowledge and Attitude (AKA)

“The antidote to our environmental problems is a change in attitude.”

Community responsiveness in the context of this study refers to how

the community respond to government interventions in the form of projects

 28

and programs with the assumption that the community’s level of awareness,

knowledge and attitude are significant components to foster participation,

involvement and interest.

The levels of AKA has been studied in different fields to measure

literacy and behaviour of individuals and groups to certain issues and

subjects.

O’Brien (2007) in her thesis, studied the Indications of environmental

literacy: using a new survey instrument to measure awareness, knowledge,

and attitude toward environmental issues, especially as they relate to the

midwestern United States. The study track the results of environmental

education efforts across all discipline of Iowa State University students. The

results suggested correlations between environmental knowledge and

attitudes and students’ demographic characteristics such as age, gender,

college, student status, childhood environment, and outdoor activities

practiced as a child. The study assumed that the levels of AKA is a reflection

of the effectiveness of environmental education efforts with the objective of

improving students responsiveness through participation and interest toward

environmental conservation and protection.

Another study of dela Vega (2004) on Awareness, Knowledge, and

attitude about environmental education: Responses from Environmental

Specialists, High School Instructors, Students and Parents. The study

evaluated the results of the AKA as ways to improve the overall behaviour of
 29

future citizens toward the environment. The study assumed that the levels of

AKA are indicators of effectiveness of the program being evaluated.

Hassan, A., et al., also conducted a study on the level of environmental

knowledge, awareness, attitude and practices among Universiti Kebangsaan

Malaysia (UKM). Research findings showed there was a significant

relationship between knowledge, awareness and attitudes to the practices of

the environment. The study also showed that to improve the environmental

practices, it is imperative that increasing level of knowledge and awareness

will develop a positive attitude towards the environment. The study concluded

that a more comprehensive environmental education should be applied in all

studies to ensure the consistency of environmental practices among students.

This is because they are the future leaders later, and their responsiveness

towards environmental conservation programs is important to foster

participation and involvement in future decision making. Their decisions and

actions will determine the status of the environment in the future.

2.2 Synthesis and Gaps

One of the reason for most government projects and programs’ failure

is the lack of responsiveness of the communities involved. Lack of

responsiveness means that community stakeholders demonstrate low level of

participation attributed to their lack of awareness, knowledge and attitude.

This hinders them to fully comprehend and understand the purpose and

objectives of projects and programs.

 30

Based on literature review, awareness, knowledge and attitude (AKA)

as an instrument to measure literacy of a target group of respondents on a

particular subject is commonly used in research studies. However, there is no

study conducted to attribute AKA to community responsiveness to programs

and policies for environmental conservation. Government programs in

particular have a lot of information materials and activities package as an

advocacy program to promote its goal and objectives yet no study has been

conducted to determine if all these information has been assimilated to the

target groups. As such, and serve its purpose of raising the community’s

awareness and knowledge enough to result to a positive behavioral change in

attitude towards the program or project. Thus this study will assess the AKA of

the fisherfolk in Brgy.Kaputian, IGaCoS and attribute this levels to how it

affects their responsiveness to the implementation of the Davao Gulf Close

Season. The study will also look into the existing strategies in the Davao Gulf

Closed Season Advocacy program to assess what strategy has been easily

circulated and to identify gaps that could be grounds for improvement and

enhancement for an effective implementation.

2.3 Conceptual Framework

Considering that the Davao Gulf Closed Season has been

implemented for three years, the lack of responsiveness among community

stakeholders particularly the fisherfolk can still be observed.

 31

The study initially identified the primary stakeholders in Barangay

Kaputian, IGaCOs affected by the implementation of the Davao Gulf Closed

Season.

It is in this context that this study adopted the Responsible

Environmental Behavior Model by Hines, et. Al to establish a baseline on the

level of awareness, knowledge and attitude of target fisherfolk relative to the

information provided through the advocacy programs of BFAR on

environmental conservation and Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation.

A series of activities were conducted by the researchers to determine

the levels of AKA of respondents’ as these are associated with interest,

participation and involvement of the community. Survey questionnaires were

administered to willing respondents, consultations and interviews were also

conducted to relevant key informants as well as focus group discussion which

was attended by stakeholders of the barangay composed of fisherfolk both

engaged in municipal and commercial fishing operations and officials of the

barangay council. After which, gaps and needs were identified and the

researchers utilized these to recognize areas of convergence and

enhancement through collaborative public management and participatory

governance.

The identified interventions of the study shall be the major input in the

formulation of the 3-year Advocacy Plan and policy recommendations.

 32

Sustainable
Sustainable Rural
Rural Development
Development

Collaborative
Collaborative Public
Public Management
Management and
and Participatory
Participatory Governance
Governance
of
of Davao
Davao Gulf
Gulf Fisheries
Fisheries and
and Aquatic
Aquatic Resources
Resources

Identified
Identified Areas
Areas of
of Convergence
Convergence and
and Enhancement
Enhancement

Information Community
(Environmental Conservation & Responsiveness
Davao Gulf Closed Season)
Attitude
Interest
Knowledge Participation
Involvement
Awareness

Adaptation from: Responsible Environmental Behavior Model (Hines et. Al.1986)

Survey
Survey FGDs
FGDs Key
Key Informant
Informant Document/Data
Document/Data
Interview
Interview Analysis
Analysis

STAKEHOLDERS
STAKEHOLDERS OFOF DAVAO
DAVAO GULF
GULF CLOSED
CLOSED SEASON
SEASON
IMPLEMENTATION IN BRGY. KAPUTIAN, IGACOS
IMPLEMENTATION IN BRGY. KAPUTIAN, IGACOS
Fisherfolk
Fisherfolk
LGU(
LGU( Barangay
Barangay && Municipal)
Municipal)
National
National Government Agencies
Government Agencies (( BFAR,
BFAR, DENR,
DENR, DILG)
DILG)
Support
Support Agencies ( Barog Katawhan, Academe, Provincial
Agencies ( Barog Katawhan, Academe, Provincial LGU)
LGU)

DA-DILG
DA-DILG Joint
Joint Administrative
Administrative Order
Order ## 22 series
series 2014
2014
Establishment
Establishment of Closed Season in Davao Gulf for the
of Closed Season in Davao Gulf for the
Conservation
Conservation of
of Small
Small Pelagic
Pelagic Fishes
Fishes using
using
Ringnet
Ringnet and
and Bagnet
Bagnet Operation
Operation
 33

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of Community Responsiveness to

Davao Gulf Closed Season Implementation
CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

This study will assess the baseline level of awareness, knowledge and

attitude of the fisherfolk stakeholders in Barangay Kaputian, IGaCoS.

Moreover, it will also look into the different advocacy tools being utilized to

carry out information dissemination of the Davao Gulf Closed Season

implementation. This will be an important input to come up with a participatory

and effective advocacy plan and policy recommendation aimed towards

enhanced community responsiveness to the Davao Gulf Closed Season.

 34

The group conducted the problem tree analysis, which showed that the

level of awareness, knowledge and attitude due to insufficient advocacy

strategies have a huge impact on the community responsiveness and success

on the implementation of the policy.

This was followed by the analysis and review of existing policies such

as the Republic Act 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code), Republic Act 10654

(Amendment to the Philippine Fisheries Code) and the Joint Administrative

Order No. 02, series of 2014 or the Establishment of Closed Season in Davao

Gulf entered into by DA-DILG for the Conservation of small pelagic fishes in

Davao Gulf.

Data from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – XI on the

number of Fisherfolk Registered (Fish R), the number of registered Municipal

Fishing Vessel (Boat R), result of the scientific study on the productivity of

target fish species for conservation during closed season and other related

studies were used and reviewed for the use for this study.

Information on the existing advocacy strategies being utilized for

information dissemination on Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation were

also gathered based on available data from the BFAR XI. Gaps and possible

interventions and areas for improvement were also gathered during

interviews, surveys and the Focus Group Discussion.

 35

For primary data gathering, the tools used include the conduct of

survey, key informant interview from NGAs, LGU, NGO, leaders of fisherfolk

association and other relevant informants. Focus Group discussions were

conducted with fisherfolk association using guide questions in order to collect

their inputs on their knowledge about the environment and the Davao Gulf

Closed Season as well as the gaps and possible interventions relative thereto.

As levels of AKA are assumed to be indicators of community

responsiveness, survey questionnaire was designed in a way that could

assess their awareness, knowledge and attitude on environmental

conservation and the Davao Gulf Closed Season utilizing closed ended

questions answerable by yes or no in order to limit the responses to the

topics.

A translation of the survey questionnaire was prepared using the local

dialect as the medium of language in order to facilitate easier understanding

of the questions by the respondents. Said questionnaire was validated among

the researchers utilizing backtrack translation and also underwent simple

validation by technical personnel from BFAR XI.

The questionnaire was divided into sections to cover the following:

profile, environmental conservation and Davao Gulf Closed Season

awareness, knowledge and attitude, and their sources of information.

Questions included in the awareness section were designed to test

their perception towards the topics. The knowledge questions were

 36

constructed in way that could best get how well they understand issues on the

environment and the Davao Gulf Closed Season. Questions in the attitude

section were designed to gauge the prevailing attitudes, beliefs and practices

towards the policy.

Data Analysis was used to determine the level of awareness,

knowledge and attitude of the fisherfolk in Brgy Kaputian, IGaCoS and the

advocacy strategies being applied to them are key factors to consider in

looking into ways on how to enhance community responsiveness to the

Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation. This is necessary to come up

with a responsive and participatory advocacy plan which would call for

possible amendments and provisions that need to be included in the policy for

a more effective and responsive Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation.

3.1 Research Design

This study assessed the levels of AKA of fisherfolk using an evaluative

tool in the form of a survey questionnaire. The study will use the quantitative

and qualitative approaches to arrive at a comprehensive analysis the level of

AKA, the current advocacy strategies and the gaps and possible

enhancements to the efforts on information dissemination. A survey

questionnaire will be handed to registered fisherfolk of Barangay Kaputian in

the Island Garden City of Samal. Said survey participants should also able to

cover at least five percent (5%) of the sampling size while at least ten percent

(10%) of the total number of participants during the Focus Group Discussion

are women to ensure gender responsiveness of the study.

 37

3.2 Locale

The Island Garden City of Samal, otherwise known as IGaCoS, is described

as a coastal paradise strategically located at the heart of Davao Gulf. The

island city is separated from mainland Mindanao by a body of water and is

accessible via a 15-minute motorboat ride to Babak port from Km. ll , Sasa,

Davao City , and a 45-minute ride to Peñaplata and Kaputian ports from Sta.

Ana wharf, Davao City on board similar transports.

It has a stretch of over 116 kilometers of continuous coastline and with

a total land area of 30,130 hectares. The island is endowed with an extensive

mountain range at the eastern coast, a number of isolated hills and an uneven

distribution of lowlands.

This cluster of islands is subdivided into two (2) main islands, the

Samal Island and Talicud Island. With 31 out of its 46 barangays are located

at the coast. Most of its communities rely on fishing as their source of

livelihood.

Selection of the study area is based on the geographical location and

the number of registered fisherfolk in the area registered in the FishR.

 38

Figure 2. Map of Davao Gulf

 39

Figure 3. Map of the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte

3.3 Unit of Study

Fisherfolk residing in Barangay Kaputian, Kaputian District, Island

Garden City of Samal where a total of two hundred (200) out of the three

hundred forty five (345) Fish R registered fisherfolk were targeted as

respondents. Number of respondents were reduced to seventy six (76) as

these were the only ones who were available, adhered to the invitation, and

gave consent and willingly took part in the survey.

3.4 Data Collection Procedures

 40

Official documents and other existing data from BFAR XI will be

gathered, actual survey of marginalized fisherfolk using the survey

questionnaire, interview of key informants in the municipality, and conduct of

Focus Group Discussions scheduled from November to December 2016. The

data collected will be carefully analysed, processed and evaluated to gauge

the level of awareness, knowledge and attitude of the fisherfolk and what are

the gaps and possible areas of improvement in the advocacy strategies that

could enhance community responsiveness.

Confidentiality and anonymity were warranted and no monetary

compensation was given to those who participated. As such, no penalties

were imposed to those who did not take part in the survey and interview.

Each interview or survey took a minimum of 15 minutes to ensure that

questions are properly explained. The survey was conducted in a period of 7

days.

3.5 Tools of Analysis

The SPPS statistics computer software was used to analyze the data

gathered from the survey conducted to assess the baseline level of

awareness, knowledge and attitude of the fisherfolk respondents. The levels

of AKA were described using descriptive statistical approach.

The use of quantitative data and qualitative methods of analysis - such

as using mean, median and mode on the result survey was used to arrive at a

comprehensive assessment on their level of AKA.

 41

Questions were designed to generate data which could provide the

study on the current advocacy strategies as well as the gaps or areas of

improvement for IEC efforts on Davao Gulf Closed Season during the conduct

of the Focus Group Discussion and interviews with Key Personnel.

For the analysis of the demographic variables (age, sex, educational

attainment, number of years in fishing), a series of descriptive statistics

accompanied the analysis with tables of frequencies describing the

participants group was utilized.

Correlation between the demographics and the levels of awareness,

knowledge and attitude were also done using the Spearman correlation.

Using the qualitative approach, triangulation was also done with the result of

the data derived from the survey to that of the data from the FGD and KII.
3.6 FRAMEWORK OF ANALYSIS

3.6 Framework of Analysis

Feedback
 42

Figure 4. Framework of Analysis for Enhancing Community Responsiveness

on Davao Gulf Closed Season Implementation

CHAPTER 4

Findings and Analysis

 43

The findings and analysis of this study were answered and discussed based

on its three objectives.

4.1 FINDINGS

4.1.1 a. Level of Awareness, Knowledge and Attitude on

Environmental Conservation and Davao Gulf Closed Season

Table 1. Profile of Study Respondents

Profile of Respondents Frequency Percentage
Age (years)
<20 10 13.14
21-30 16 21.05
31-40 20 26.32
>40 30 39.47
Sex
Male 69 90.79
Female 7 9.21
Educational attainment
Elementary level 31 40.79
High school level 43 56.58
College level 2 2.63
Years in fishing
<1 2 2.63
2-5 5 6.58
>5 69 90.79

The results of Table 1 summarizes the demographic profile and

descriptive statistics of the respondents. The result indicates that 10 (13.14%)

are below twenty (20) years old, 16 (21.05%) are between the ages of 21-30

years old, 20(26.32%) are between the ages of 31-40 years old and 30

(39.47%) are more than 40 years old. Distribution of the number of samples

involved in this study was 69 (90.79%) male fisherfolk, while 7(9.21%)

representing female fisherfolk. In terms of educational attainment, the total of

31(40.79%) fisherfolk have been educated up to the elementary level, 43

 44

(56.58%) up to high school level and only 2(2.63%) have reached college

level. The result also show that 2 (2.63%) have fishing experience of less than

one(1) year, 5 (6.58%) have fishing experience of 2-5 years while 69 (90.79)

have more than five (5) years fishing experience.

Table 2. Mean Percentage and standard deviations for Awareness, Knowledge and Attitude
of respondents in areas of environmental conservation and Davao Gulf Closed Season
implementation
Standard
Awareness, knowledge and attitude Percentage
Deviation
Awareness 57.4013 ± 18.6165
Environmental Conservation 52.1930 ± 22.0004
Davao Gulf Closed Season 50.0000 ± 19.4594
Knowledge 48.8158 ± 16.0804
Environmental Conservation 73.2456 ± 23.1067
Davao Gulf Closed Season 39.2857 ± 18.9701
Attitude 49.5614 ± 16.7716
Environmental Conservation 52.1930 ± 22.0004
Davao Gulf Closed Season 47.3684 ± 18.2681

Figure 5 shows that in comparing the levels of AKA, of the 57% total

mean awareness, respondents have a slightly lower awareness on Davao

Gulf Closed Season (50%) than on environmental conservation (52%). Of the

 45

48% total mean score for Knowledge, respondents have high knowledge on

environmental conservation (78%) than on Davao Gulf Closed Season (39%).

Attitude on environmental conservation (52%) is also slightly higher than on

Davao Gulf Closed Season (48%) from the 49% mean score for Attitude.

Figure 5. Mean Level of AKA and their corresponding mean % score for
Conservation and Davao Gulf Closed Season related questions

Figure 6. shows the level of awareness , knowledge and attitude of the

respondents on Environmental conservation and the Davao Gulf Closed

Season Implementation. The result indicates that the respondents’ total mean

score on awareness of 57.40% is higher than their total mean scores on

knowledge (48.82%) and attitude (49.56%). Awareness knowledge and

attitude is higher on the topic of environmental conservation than on the topic

of Davao Gulf Closed Season.

Figure 6. Comparison on the Level of AKA on Environmental Conservation

and Davao Gulf Closed Season

Table 3. Relationship between age and AKA on environmental conservation and Davao
Gulf Closed Season and their corresponding p-value
 46

Scores Age (years) p-value

<20 21-30 31-40 >40

Mean % score 58.7500 ± 60.9375 ± 55.0000 ± 56.6667 ± 0.80556

of awareness 25.7188 17.0018 18.3174 17.5962
± SD
Mean % score 54.0000 ± 51.2500 ± 45.0000 ± 48.3333 ± 0.47224
of knowledge 20.6559 10.8781 17.6218 15.7750
± SD
Mean % score 55.0000 ± 52.0833 ± 43.3333 ± 50.5556 ± 0.23792
of attitude ± 19.3250 17.0783 18.2574 14.1715
SD

Figure 7. Correlation analysis between Age and AKA

Table 4. Relationship between Gender and AKA on environmental

conservation and Davao Gulf Closed Season and their corresponding p-value
Scores Sex p-value
Male Female
Mean % score of 57.7899 ± 18.5778 53.5714 ± 20.0446 0.5713
awareness ± SD
Mean % score of 50.1449 ± 15.6706 35.7143 ± 15.1186 0.0226*
knowledge ± SD
Mean % score of 51.2077 ± 15.7386 33.3333 ± 19.2450 0.0064*
attitude ± SD
 47

Figure 8. Correlation Analysis between Gender and AKA

Table 5. Relationship between Educational attainment and AKA on environmental

conservation and Davao Gulf Closed Season.
Scores Educational attainment p-value
Elementary Highschool College
Mean % score 53.6290 ± 59.3023 ± 75.0000 ± 0.17400
of awareness ± 20.9646 16.6129 0.0000
SD
Mean % score 47.0968 ± 49.5349 ± 60.0000 ± 0.50077
of knowledge ± 16.1645 16.3231 0.0000
SD
Mean % score 45.6989 ± 51.5504 ± 66.6667 ± 0.11416
of attitude ± SD 17.7262 15.7754 0.0000

Figure 9. Correlation Analysis between Educational Attainment and AKA

 48

Table 6. Relationship between Years in Fishing and AKA on environmental conservation

and Davao Gulf Closed Season.
Scores Years in fishing p-value
<1 2-5 >5
Mean % score 50.0000 ± 60.0000 ± 57.4275 ± 0.81719
of awareness ± 17.6777 16.2980 18.9716
SD
Mean % score 50.0000 ± 58.0000 ± 48.1159 ± 0.41769
of knowledge ± 14.1421 14.8324 16.2042
SD
Mean % score 25.0000 ± 53.3333 ± 50.0000 ± 0.09978
of attitude ± SD 11.7851 21.7307 16.1690

Figure 10. Correlation Analysis between Years in Fishing and AKA

The relationship between dependent variables (AKA) and independent

variables (demographics) was measured using Spearman coefficient. Tables

3, 5 and 6 show that there is no significant correlation between age,

educational attainment and number of years in fishing to level of AKA on

environmental conservation and Davao Gulf Closed Season. Table 4 shows

that there was a relationship between the independent variable of gender and

the dependent variables of knowledge and attitude on environmental

 49

conservation and Davao Gulf Closed Season with a p-value of 0,0026 and

0.0064 respectively. This indicates that gender plays a role in their level of

knowledge and attitude.

4.1.1 b. Advocacy on Environmental Conservation and Davao Gulf

Closed Season Implementation

Descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis were employed to answer

the research objective that relate to fisherfolks’ preferred sources and medium

of information with regard to environmental conservation and Davao Gulf

Closed Season implementation.

Table 7 shows the medium of information that were able to deliver

Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation details and facts down to their

level. Findings showed that 32% of the respondents get their information

through word of mouth, 26% through radio and TV, 17% from handouts such

as brochures and posters and the remaining 25% from forums and seminars.

Table 7. Frequency and Percentage of Medium of Information

Medium of Information Frequency Percentage

Forums and seminars 19 25%

Hand-outs (brochures, tarps, posters) 13 17%
Media (radio and TV) 20 26%
 50

Word of mouth 24 32%

Figure 11. Percentage distribution of Medium of Information on Davao Gulf

Closed Season implementation

When asked about the source of information that was able to deliver

the Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation facts and details, 41% of their

information came from BFAR, 19% from their co-fishermen, 14% from the

LGU and 2% from their employers.

Table 8. Frequency and Percentage of Sources of Information on Davao Gulf Closed Season
Implementation

Sources of Information Frequency Percentage

Employer 2 3%
BFAR 41 54%
LGU 14 18%
Co-fishermen 19 25%
 51

Figure 12. Percentage Distribution of Sources of Information on Davao Gulf

Closed Season implementation

4.1.1 c. Advocacy Program on Davao Gulf Closed Season

Along with our analysis on advocacy programs being implemented by

BFAR on the Davao Gulf Closed Season, data from our short questionnaire

surveys, notes from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews

conducted with Key Informant Personnel, indicate that among the strategies

being utilized for information dissemination include: conduct of forums,

seaborne patrol, production and distribution of IEC materials and media

mileage.

Conduct of Forum

Conduct of forums was limited to areas that were considered as “hot

spots”. Forums on Davao Gulf Closed Season was targeted to be carried out

in every coastal municipality covered by the policy. However, manpower

 52

component from BFAR to conduct the activity is not sufficient to cover all the

targeted areas.

Seaborne Patrol

BFAR Patrol vessels were deployed in different strategic areas to

monitor the implementation of the Closed Season in Davao Gulf. Presence of

said patrol boats manned by the seaborne team composed of members of the

BFAR Quick Response Team, Philippine National Police Maritime Group,

Philippine Coast Guard and representatives from the LGU, provide visibility

and

Production and Distribution of IEC materials

The BFAR QRT assisted by the IEC section prepared brochures,

tarpaulins, posters, comics strips designed in a way that Davao Gulf Closed

Season policy could easily be understood by the fisherfolk stakeholders.

These materials were distributed during conduct of forums, meetings with

LGUs and stakeholders as well as placed in LGU offices.

Mass Media

A month prior to the start of the Davao Gulf Closed Season

implementation, intensive TV guesting, airing of radio plugs, newspapers

articles and announcements have been conducted to ensure better audience

coverage. Budget was specifically allocated by BFAR to implement such

activities as this entails high expenditure for the part of the government.
 53

4.1.2 Gaps observed in the implementation of the advocacy program for

Davao Gulf Closed Season

The data given in Table 7 reveal the number one medium of

information (32%) is through word of mouth, 26% from media, 25% from

forums and 17% from hand-outs. The results regarding word of mouth as the

number one medium of information are contradictory to the results pointing to

BFAR (54%) as the number one source of information on Davao Gulf Closed

Season.

During the conduct of Focus Group Discussion (FGD), the

stakeholders composed of fisherfolk, officials of the barangay as well as

personnel from the BFAR Provincial Fishery Office, among the gaps observed

include the lack of proper dissemination of information materials, lack of

proper identification of the radio frequency and TV station that is often

listened to and watched by fisherfolk in rural coastal areas.

When asked about the Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation

40% of the participants during the FGD have not heard about the policy. Of

the 60% who has heard about the policy, the presence of posters and

distribution of brochures and reading materials were their sources of

information. However, they lamented that using English in the information

materials made it difficult for them to understand all the salient provisions of

the policy.
 54

Barangay officials also lack sufficient knowledge on the Davao Gulf

Closed Season implementation which is why fisherfolk stakeholders also

identified the lack of efforts in informing them regarding the policy. During the

discussion, the suggestion to identify a focal person coming from the

barangay LGU to focus on information dissemination was brought up.

Further during the course of discussion, Brgy. Captain Palacio raised

his observation over the inactive role of the Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic

Resources Management Council (BFARMC) which could have been utilized

as a good advocate for information dissemination.

According to the prime movers of the policy on Davao Gulf Closed

Season, Mr. Jose Villanueva and Mr. Jerry dela Cerna, both mentioned that

one of the gaps is the lack of action and support from the LGU. Aside from the

fact that no commitment has been made by the LGU with regard to their role

on information dissemination, no corresponding funding support relative to

such has also been observed.

Mr Villanueva further stressed that inasmuch as BFAR would like to

continue conducting seaborne patrol even without the observance of the

closed season, Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code specifically

states that the LGU has jurisdiction over its municipal waters. Thus, efforts by

the office are somewhat limited giving utmost respect to the said Local

Government Code.
 55

Mr. dela Cerna also stated that the DILG, as the partner agency in the

implementation of the Davao Gulf Closed Season should have supported the

BFAR in its advocacy efforts, or come up with their own activities that would

harmonize with the efforts being conducted by BFAR. And, as the agency who

has direct jurisdiction over the LGUs, they should also come up with ways to

ensure that LGUs adhere and help in ensuring that the policy is being

implemented.

4.1.3 Interventions for Enhanced Community Responsiveness in Brgy.

Kaputian, IGaCoS

During the Focus Group Discussion, when asked about what particular

interventions should be provided by the government to enhance community

responsiveness to Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation, almost all of

the participants enumerated suggestions revolving on provision of alternative

livelihood programs.

Mr. dela Cerna understand the importance of awareness activities that

should be targeted at the grassroots level. Activities such as Barangay

assemblies should have been utilized as venues where the discussion about

the Davao Gulf Closed Season can be conducted.

During the thorough discussion of the order on the Davao Gulf Closed

Season implementation, Mr. Villanueva suggested that duties and

responsibilities of the two agencies must be clearly defined. It is due to the

 56

lack of this that BFAR assumed responsibility over the overall information

dissemination efforts which should have been jointly carried out by both

parties.

4.2 ANALYSIS

4.2.1 a. Level of Awareness, Knowledge and Attitude on Davao Gulf

Closed Season implementation

Mean level of awareness is higher than mean level of knowledge and

attitude because awareness is more on how one perceives an information

while knowledge involves understanding of the basic fundamentals and

requires a more in depth comprehension of the information. Attitude, on the

other hand is the acquisition of values, feelings and motivation and can easily

be influenced by society and other external factors.

Level of awareness, knowledge and attitude is higher on environmental

conservation than on the topic of Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation.

This can be attributed to the fact that environmental conservation has long

been introduced or in existence than the policy which has only been

implemented on 2014.

Correlating demographics and the level of AKA show that there is

significant correlation on gender with regard to the levels of knowledge and

attitude of the respondents interviewed. Male respondents have a higher

 57

mean percent score of knowledge and attitude than the female respondents.

Based on experience, it has been observed that men outnumber women

during attendance or participation to information dissemination related

activities such as forums, meetings and consultations in coastal rural areas.

As such, said correlation could also be attributed to the fact that women

participation in fishing is relatively minimal as involvement is limited to

activities such as selling, post- harvest and value adding.

4.2.1 b. Advocacy on Environmental Conservation and Davao Gulf

Closed Season Implementation

In rural coastal areas where there is limited access to information due

to factors such as distance and lack of electricity supply, word of mouth

remains the number one medium to the transfer of information. The same

holds true in the case of the survey respondents’ wherein 32% identified word

of mouth as their medium of information. However, 54% of the respondents

refer to BFAR as their prime source of information. This is due to the fact that

fisheries related information that reach them are automatically attributed to be

sourced from BFAR. However, said information is able to cover a wider

audience through word of mouth.

4.2.1 c. Advocacy Program on Davao Gulf Closed Season

 58

Much more could have been done, inasmuch as information

dissemination is concerned, if only the policy was able to clearly stipulate the

roles and responsibilities of all the agencies involved in the Davao Gulf

Closed Season implementation. The DILG should have complemented the

actions by BFAR as the policy is a joint administrative order and

responsibilities should be shared equally by the two agencies. Due to this,

advocacy efforts was mostly initiated and carried out by BFAR.

4.2.2 Gaps observed in the implementation of the advocacy program for

Davao Gulf Closed Season

Despite the effort of the government to fully inform the stakeholders,

interviews and survey results show that fisherfolk are misinformed and lacked

sufficient knowledge about the policy. Only BFAR initiated and sponsored

forums were conducted as most LGUs covered have no funds to cover for the

conduct of such activities. Number and frequency of forums should have

increased if only LGU initiated activities were implemented.

Some are not able to attend forums as fishing activities require

fisherfolk to spend a couple of days at sea and they give priority to fishing as

their prime source of income instead of participating in forums.

Oftentimes, the observance of seaborne patrol activities are automatically

attributed to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). What stakeholders failed to

 59

see is that conduct of patrol is a joint effort of the DA-BFAR, DILG (Maritime

Police), PCG and the Municipal LGU. What the seaborne patrol does, in the

advocacy aspect of the program is to provide visibility which serves as a

reminder to observe the Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation. What it

lacks is its ability to disseminate or inculcate information about the policy.

IEC materials are prepared by personnel from the BFAR regional office

and are distributed during conduct of forums, meeting and such. Gaps in

delivering appropriate information to the stakeholders is attributed to the

language used in the brochures, tarpaulins, and comic skits which makes it

difficult to deliver the information in the level that is comprehensible by the

fisherfolk. Most of the reading materials were also observed to be lengthy and

contained information that should have been compressed, and with the salient

features highlighted, to get the interest of the stakeholders.

4.2.3 Interventions for Enhanced Community Responsiveness in Brgy.

Kaputian, IGaCoS

Interventions derived from the participants during the conduct of the

Focus Group Discussion was mostly in the form of livelihood programs that

they think the government should provide as an effect of the Davao Gulf

Closed Season implementation. However, what they fail to realize is that they

also need to be properly informed so that they can make use of the

opportunity provided and long term effect of the policy.

 60

In order to enhance community responsiveness, awareness and

acceptance of the primary stakeholders must first be achieved. This requires

starting from the grassroots and utilizing the units of government that is

closest to them. In the case of the Davao Gulf Closed Season

implementation, the potential role of the barangay LGU as the primary source

of information is often identified.

As the policy lacked the clear delineation of roles and responsibilities of

the two agencies, the bulk of the responsibility was automatically assumed to

be that of BFAR as the policy is centered on fisheries conservation effort

which is one of the mandates of the agency.

BFAR provided institutional support in the form of funding and

manpower but lacked the close partnership with DILG which could have

added a similar influence and impact that can result to higher community

responsiveness to the Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation.

CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

 61

5.1SUMMARY

Level of AKA on Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation is lower

than on the topic of environmental conservation. Correlation of gender and the

level of knowledge and attitude show that male respondents has a higher

mean percent score than the female respondents which can be due to the

time and involvement in fishing activities.

Transfer of information in rural coastal areas is mostly by word of

mouth and fisheries related information are automatically attributed to be

sourced from BFAR. This also holds true for information related to Davao Gulf

Closed Season implementation as advocacy efforts on the said policy are

mostly initiated and carried out by the agency.

Efforts, however, still proved to be insufficient as fisherfolk surveyed

proved to be misinformed and still lacked sufficient knowledge about the

policy. LGU effort is also limited as they lack sufficient funds and logistics to

assist and implement the Davao Gulf Closed season in their respective

municipal waters. As such, fisherfolk participation to government initiated

activities intended to inform and assist them is low as they tend to prioritize

fishing which is their source of living.

Utilizing seaborne patrol operations to disseminate information about

the policy is not the priority of the team as they are focused on law

enforcement and apprehension. IEC materials being distributed for

 62

information dissemination do not utilized the language that is most understood

by the fisherfolk. Focus should be given in ensuring that the salient features of

the policy will be highlighted and understood by the target audience.

The lack of clear delineation of roles and responsibilities of the two

agencies made it difficult to tap appropriate units of government that has high

potential to disseminate information to the grassroots. BFAR assumed

responsibility over the implementation of the policy thereby along with its

constraints also resulted to limitations that could have increased AKA to

enhance community responsiveness.

5.2 CONCLUSION

The study concluded that the scores for awareness were higher than

the scores for knowledge and attitude. We link this result to the relatively easy

access to communication through word of mouth where awareness can be

picked up with little substantive knowledge.

Result of the study indicates that the overall knowledge about the

environment and the Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation is lacking in

facts, appropriate approach which resulted to misinformation to the part of the

stakeholders. The gaps in the current advocacy efforts relative to Davao Gulf

Closed Season implementation need to be addressed to increase awareness,

knowledge and attitude of the fisherfolk to enhance community

responsiveness and ensure sustainability of the policy.

 63

5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

Considering the results of the study, it is most respectfully

recommended that the collaborative public management and participative

governance shall be practiced and established by and among partner

agencies and stakeholders, in order to enhance the advocacy program that

would improve the responsiveness of the community primary stakeholders to

the Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation.

a. Recommendations for the NGAs

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

 Preparation and reproduction of Davao Gulf Closed Season

implementation materials which has been initiated prior to its

implementation, must be refined and packaged in a way that

could easily be understood and could create the most impact to

the fisherfolk. Said materials would serve as the principal IEC

tools to be utilized by all NGAs, LGUs and NGOs in relation to

the policy.

 Attendance to conduct of forums can be encouraged through

providing advance information or invitation on the schedule of

the activity. Provision of incentives in the form of fishing

materials to a specific number of participants can also

encourage better participation.

 64

 Radio plugs, TV advertisements and newspaper articles must

be aired or published in radio and TV channels as well as

newspapers that has high coverage to our target audience

which is the fisherfolk. As such, radio plugs and advertisements

must be designed in a way that can effectively deliver the

information on the Davao Gulf Closed Season.

Also, utilizing social media as an avenue to disseminate

information would be a more cost effective advocacy tool.

 To conduct other forms of information dissemination on Davao Gulf

Closed Season e.g. poster making, mural contest, song writing

competition to encourage the youth to be actively involved in the

advocacy of conservation.

 Appropriate livelihood interventions, that are climate change

responsive, can be provided to fisherfolk affected by the

implementation of the policy.

Department of Interior Local Government

 Ensure the practice of convergence with partner agencies, e.g.

BFAR and other NGAs on advocacy, environmental

conservation and livelihood provision in relation to the Davao

Gulf Closed Season implementation.

 Tap its Local Government Units to intensify advocacy efforts

down to the barangay level to ensure that information would

seep through the rural coastal areas.

 65

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

 To collaborate with BFAR in the conduct of Coastal Resources

Management (CRM) activities in order to harmonize initiatives in

implementing projects and programs on environmental

conservation.

 Through their PENRO and CENRO office, information materials

on the Davao Gulf Closed Season can be displayed and

distributed to their clients for more extensive coverage.

b. Local Government Units

Island Garden City of Samal

1. To actively support the advocacy programs of the National

Government agencies and practice the principle of participatory

governance especially in environmental conservation initiatives.

2. To mobilize primary stakeholders (fisherfolk) by providing

institutional and funding support to activities that would empower

and develop their communities, such as

- Reconstitution and activation of the Municipal Fisheries and

Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) and the

Municipal Law Enforcement Team ( Bantay-dagat) to develop

the participation of fisherfolk in community decision making

and involvement in safeguarding their fisheries and aquatic

resources.
 66

Information dissemination will also be more accessible

through an active and empowered BFARMCs and Bantay-

dagat.

Barangay Kaputian LGU

1. To mobilize and engage community towards active participation by

demonstrating commitment and support for their development and

welfare.

2. To provide logistics and financial support to organized and

reactivated BFARMCs and Bantay-dagat.

3. To pass a barangay resolution designating a focal person from the

Sangguniang Barangay to serve as the information officer for the

Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation and to coordinate with

BFAR Provincial Office for appropriate capacity building activities

and assistance.

4. To adopt the advocacy plan formulated for the promotion and

enhancement of advocacy efforts for the Davao Gulf Closed

Season implementation.

5. To include in the daycare program information materials comic

strips and audio-visual presentation for the Davao Gulf Closed

Season to allow the development of cognitive levels for awareness

and knowledge on conservation in their early years.

c. Academe

 To include in the curricula salient facts and information on the

Davao Gulf Closed Season. Conduct forum in schools participated

 67

by elementary and high school students in coordination with the

BFAR and DENR on Environmental Conservation practices and

regulation measures.

 The state Colleges e.g. Davao del Norte State College and the

SPAMAST in collaboration with the BFAR can conduct activities in

various research areas ( social, economic and environmental) for

the development and enhancement of implementation of the

Davao Gulf Closed Season.

 To encourage students to form volunteer groups for the advocacy

component of the Davao Gulf Closed Season and Environment

Conservation.

d. Non- Government Organization

Barog Katawhan sa Governor Generoso

 As the proponent of the Davao Gulf Closed Season, spearhead in

the advocacy promotion through initiating environment friendly

projects.

 To continuously pursue to strengthen and capacitate the

organizations’ members and officers through enhancing skills and

competence to ensure effective and sustainable of organization.

Davao Gulf Management Council

 To reactivate the council to be able to carry out the purpose of its

existence which is centered on assisting its members (LGUs) in
 68

coming up with and implementing common arrangements to

govern coastal resources use.
 69

5.4 ACTION PLAN AND PROJECT

5.4.1 ACTION PLAN MATRIX

Table 9. ACTIONPLAN FOR COMMUNITY RESPONSIVENESS ON THE DAVAO GULF CLOSED SEASON IMPLEMENTATION IN
BARANGAY KAPUTIAN, ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL

Objective Major Expected Person/ Time Potential Preventive/ Budget

Activity Results and Group Frame Obstacles/ Contingency
Success Responsibl Constraints Action
Indicators e

1.Establish 1. Coordinati 1. Conduct of at RDAPP October to 1. Fortuitous events 1. Time 1. P5,000.00

coordination and on and least one Proponent November 2. Political Management
linkage with the Briefing with coordination 2016- factors/intervention 2. Application of
LGU and the LGU and meeting 3. Indifference and Lack EO
FARMC FARMC of Interest of the LGU 3. Persuasiveness
2. Be able to solicit officials and FARMC
LGU support for the
conduct of RDAPP
activities

2. Assess 1. Conduct of 1. Identify level of RDAPP November 1. Fortuitous events 1. Time P20,000.00
baseline level of surveys, FGD AKA Proponent 2016 to 2. Political Management
AKA on and KII January factors/intervention 2. Persuasiveness
environmental 2. Identify advocacy 2017 3. Indifference and Lack 3. Prepare tools
conservation and efforts being of Interest of the in their language
Davao Gulf implemented community
Closed Season; 4. Difficulty in
Get information 3. Identify gaps and comprehension of
regarding recommendations questions
advocacy efforts relative to advocacy
being conducted programs being
implemented
 70

3. Educate and 1.Re- 1. Increased RDAPP January 1. Fortuitous events 1. Time P35,000.00
increase orientation on awareness and level Proponent 2017 2. Political Management
awareness of the CRM, of knowledge with BFAR XI factors/intervention 2. Persuasiveness
community environmental the post evaluation LGU 3. Indifference and Lack 3. Prepare
conservation, showing a VS rating DENR of Interest of the presentation,
Davao Gulf community lecture materials
Closed 2. Increase in the 4. Difficulty in and hand-outs in
Season level of acceptance comprehension of their language
of the policy presentation/lecture
2. Distributio materials
n of IEC 3. IEC materials
materials distributed to 80%
of the target
community

4. Come up with 1. Conduct of 1. Formulation of RDAPP January 1. Fortuitous events 1. Time P35,000.00
Participatory one-day draft advocacy plan Proponent 2017 2. Political Management
Advocacy Plan Advocacy which encompass factors/intervention 2. Persuasiveness
Plan the needs and 3. Indifference and Lack
Workshop suggestions of the of Interest of the
stakeholders community

5. Formulation of 1. Submission 1. Receipt and RDAPP February to 1. Lack of support Persuasiveness P5,000.00
Advocacy Plan of advocacy adoption of Proponent March 2017 2. Inaction
and Policy plan and advocacy plan and BFAR XI
Recommendation policy inclusion of DILG
recommendat recommendations in
ion to BFAR the policy revision
XI and DILG, of JAO 02
including the
JAO 02 TWG

5.4.2 STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS

 71

Table 10. Stakeholders Analysis for Enhancing Community Responsiveness on Davao Gulf Closed Season Implementation
in Brgy. Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal

Name of Influence* Current Recommendations Possible Reaction Hindrances Strategy for

Stakeholders Level of and Possible to from enhancing
Support* Contributions Recommendations Stakeholders stakeholder
support
A. NGAs & Other Institutions
1. Department of High Medium Provision of Positive Plan and Letter;
Agriculture alternative land- Budget for Follow-up
based projects 2017 & 2018 Inclusion in the
had already policy
been laid out recommendation
2.Department of Medium Low Resource Person Positive Resource Letter; Follow-
Environment and Assistance to Mapping and up
Natural Resources fisherfolk e.g. Inspection of
mangrove planting; the area as
Reiterate and majority is
inform the fisherfolk owned by
of their rights under resort owners
DENR laws
3. Department of High Medium Intensify LGU action Positive Insufficient Approval of the
Interior and Local in the advocacy support and advocacy plan;
Government efforts and in the will to call on Letter
implementation of LGUs to strictly
the Closed Season observe
Closed
Season;
4. Philippine Coast High High Information Neutral Mandate as Approval of the
Guard dissemination part of the advocacy plan
during seaborne Team during
 72

patrol the Closed

Season does
not include IEC
5. Bureau of High High Budgetary support Positive Lack of Approval of the
Fisheries and Aquatic to the advocacy manpower; advocacy plan
Resources plan suggestions; LGU Code
Intensified and specifically
efficient states that the
implementation of LGU has
IEC and policy control and
jurisdiction
over its
municipal
waters
6. PNP Maritime High Medium Information Neutral Mandate as Approval of the
dissemination part of the advocacy plan
during seaborne Team during
patrol the Closed
Season does
not include IEC
7. BFAR IEC Team Medium Medium Advocacy materials Positive; But will Lack of Approval of the
based on the take time, technical advocacy plan
advocacy plan manpower and personnel to
funding package AVP
materials
8. BFAR PFO Davao High Medium Dissemination of Positive; as PFO Lack of Discuss
del Norte IEC materials; assigned has been manpower advocacy plan;
Coordinate and active in follow-up
facilitate activities in implementing
IGaCoS. fisheries programs
and policies
9. PENRO Davao del High Medium Resource Person Positive Resource Letter; Follow-
 73

Norte Assistance to Mapping of the up

fisherfolk e.g. area as
mangrove planting; majority is
supply of seedlings; owned by
Reiterate and resort owners
inform the fisherfolk
of their rights under
DENR laws
Local Government Unit
1. IGaCoS LGU High Low Participation and Positive Lack of Approval of the
inputs during support; advocacy plan
interviews, FGD Limited funds
and advocacy plan
workshop; IEC
dissemination; JAO
02 implementation
2. Barangay LGU High Medium Participation and Positive Insufficient Approval of the
inputs during knowledge on advocacy plan
interviews, FGD fisheries laws
and advocacy plan such as the
workshop; IEC Davao Gulf
dissemination; JAO Closed Season
02 implementation
3. SB Chairperson on High High Participation and Positive Limited fund Approval of the
Agriculture and inputs during and support advocacy plan
Fisheries interviews, FGD from the which would
and advocacy plan Barangay identify the lead
workshop person to initiate
JAO 02 IEC
advocacy in the
barangay level
 74

4. City Fisheries and High Medium Participation and Positive Very limited Approval of the
Aquatic Resources inputs during funds; advocacy plan;
Office activities; take part Follow-up
in IEC efforts for
JAO 02
implementation
C. Community-Based Groups (Organizations/Councils)

1. Barangay High High Participation and Positive Unavailability Orient; Follow-

Kaputian, IGaCoS inputs during during survey, up; Personal
Fisherfolk survey, interviews, interview, FGD invitation
FGD, advocacy and Forum;
plan workshop and lack of interest;
Forum; Adherence insufficient
to JAO 02 knowledge
about JAO
2. CFARMC High High Participation and Negative; current Unavailability Constant follow-
inputs during CFARMC has lost during survey, up; set
survey, interviews, interest in carrying interview, FGD appointment;
FGD, advocacy out his roles and and Forum; Call for the
plan workshop and responsibilities lack of funding reconstitution of
Forum support the CFARMC
3. Operators of High High Participation and Positive Unavailability Follow-up
Bagnet and Ringnet inputs during during survey,
survey, interviews, interview, FGD
FGD, advocacy and Forum
plan workshop and
Forum; Adherence
to JAO 02
4. BAROG Katawhan High High Positive Funding Close
Inputs during the support coordination
KII; continued
 75

collaboration with
NGAs
5. Davao Gulf High Low IEC dissemination Positive No appointed Approval of the
Management Council and encourage chairman advocacy plan
Davao Gulf Closed following the
Season compliance death of former
and action by the Councilor Avila
LGU

*Basis for Engagement Level

High: Decision Making/Implementation
Medium: Options Noted
Low: Information Only
 76

5.4.3 PROPOSAL FOR SUSTAINABILITY

With the implementation of the three-year advocacy plan it is

envisioned that community responsiveness on Davao Gulf Closed Season

implementation of the stakeholders in Barangay Kaputian, Island Garden City

of Samal will significantly increase. To further ensure the sustainability of the

project, the following strategies are recommended:

1. As the policy which the RDAPP revolves on is already a

convergence in itself, and considering the fact that the project calls for the

intensification of advocacy strategies as stipulated in the advocacy plan,

The Barangay Chairpersons on Environment/Agriculture and Fisheries

are strongly encouraged to ensure the delivery of their role as the prime

advocates in the barangay relative to Davao Gulf Closed Season is

concerned.

Thus, it is strongly suggested that they lobby for the approval of

funding support from their annual budgets to carry out the expected

tasks and outputs specified in the advocacy plan as well as be able to

provide funding support to their BFARMC who can assist them in

accomplishing such.

2. Sustainability would be ensured if the Davao Gulf Management

Council would be able to function fully again, starting with the

identification and designation of a Chairman of the council to ensure

 77

that LGUs within the Davao Gulf will strictly implement the Davao

Gulf Closed Season.

The council’s partnership and coordination with certain NGO groups

such as the BAROG Katawahan would also help in coming up with new

ideas that could address issues concerning the implementation of the

policy.

3. Further study, validation and improvement to the Resolution filed by

the BAROG Katawhan which calls for the declaration of a complete

closure of the Davao Gulf to Commercial Fishing Operation for a span

of more than one year, which more or less follows the same vein of

thought to that of the Davao Gulf Closed Season implementation.

4. Lobby for the proposal in the policy the provision that LGUs can be

penalized or fined if they are proven to be non-compliant to the roles

expected from them in line with the Davao Gulf Closed Season

implementation including its corresponding IEC component.

5. Ensure greater convergence through the NCI to come up with

livelihood interventions through the provision of land-based projects in

order to lessen fishing pressure from the sea. Inclusion of fisherfolk

stakeholders as beneficiaries of projects from the Department of

Agriculture (e.g.in the form of seedlings and livestock), the Department

of Environment and Natural Resources for stakeholder participation in

 78

mangrove planting and forest rehabilitation, the TESDA for skills

trainings, and other NGAs that can provide assistance in possible

interventions identified by the stakeholders themselves.

6. Implement a strong and regular monitoring and evaluation of the

implementation of the policy and its IEC component to ensure that new

issues and concerns that arise during the course of the implementation

would be captured and addressed by the proper channels, agencies

and groups concerned.

 79

5.5 LEARDERSHIP JOURNEY

(Team Davao Gulf Closed Season)

With our group comprising of two members from DA-BFAR and one

from DENR, one similarity that put us all in the same boat was our

involvement in the Bids and Awards Committee of our respective offices-- and

we do not know if it was just mere destiny or fate that brought the three of us

together.

Being part-time students who also serve as full time government

employees (not to mention full time parents), the road to MPM-RD was one

that was a combination of a cupful of tears, nuggets of anxiety attacks, and

tons of stress and beating the deadlines. And this meant that deadlines can

be further broken down into two: that of academic requirements and those

that are work or office related.

Our journey was very exhilarating-- and one that is not lacking in

emotion. At first we were quite ashamed with each other because it is our first

time to meet in the class. And the fact that we belong to the group who rarely

mingle with people, identifying our would-be RDAPP groupmates took time

and discretion.

Again, it could be fate that brought us together. But at that time, it was

the need to identify groupmates who belong to other agencies and hopefully

within the same region (saves you the time, money and effort to meet) that

proved to be the reason for bringing the three of us together.

At first, it was quite difficult to adjust. Aside from the fact that we belong

to different government agencies, we also had to take into consideration our

 80

differences. We have different scholastic record and family background,

different duties and responsibilities in each of our offices, different religious

beliefs and a whole lot of other factors. But because of this Rural

Development Action Plan Project, we were able to bind ourselves and adjust

to each other’s weaknesses and learn to be humble, open-minded and even

open-hearted regardless of our age gap. We worked harmoniously, we

learned to give and take and not to be tough on ourselves if we cannot

accomplish things right away.

The group experienced ups and downs, like during the time when

many requirements are given to us by our professors that we do not know

where to start .This, added also by the bulk of workload and numerous

deadlines from our offices. Oftentimes the burden and distraction of numerous

intervening activities like attending meetings, workshops and seminars

dampened not only our energy but also our drive.

Our group oftentimes found ourselves in a dilemma on what to give

utmost priority to. Life then was a constant battle and choice of which one to

prioritize. At times we stop and ask ourselves the reason why are we doing

this-- but then we remember that we have signed a contract and turning our

back would mean that we have to pay back the expenses that we have

incurred. It was on those times when we feel that we cannot turn our back.

And so we move on and encourage each other, act as each other’s pressure

into reaching the finish line.

And great pressure did occur during that when we were about to

implement our project somewhere in November of 2016 wherein one member

of our group member was hospitalized. After having been diagnosed with
 81

Myoma Uteri, she needed to be operated on immediately. And in spite of that,

the two other members of the group took the courage to continue the work,

went to the area, met with the fisherfolk, and completed the survey.

After two months, and with God’s grace, that group member that

underwent operation was able to recover, was able to join the team and help

in the implementation of the project, including conduct of Focus Group

Discussion and interviewing Key Informant Personnel.

While doing the RDAPP, we usually succumb into a situation where we

need to sacrifice some family activities and skip the holidays just to focus in

pursuing our goal to finish the course. In doing so, we learn to prioritize

things, divide our time with our family and our work. And this has been quite

strenuous and difficult for us since we are all mothers and have our families to

attend to.

It was due to all these that we learned to be flexible and expand our

capability in performing our jobs. The group sees the importance of each

other’s contribution to the achieving our goals and working together in unity

harmonizes the flow of activities-- it eases the load.

We can picture out our group like an empty vessel, at first we

are empty, we study and keep learning then we are filled until our vessel is full

- that is when we finish our RDAPP study and graduate.

 82

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about Environmental Education: Responses from Environmental
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Specialist, High School Instructors, Students and Parents. Dissertation

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period: implications for sustainable management. Reviews in Fish
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J., . . . Babcock, E. A. (April 2011). ridging the Divide Between
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FAO. (2016). The State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2016.
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 85

Appendix 1. 3-YEAR ADVOCACY ACTION PLAN

FOR BRGY.KAPUTIAN, ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL
2017-2019

OBJECTIV STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES TARGET TIMELINE RESOURCES/ PERSON/

ES BUDGET AGENCY
2017 2018 2019 2017 2018 2019 RESPONSIBLE
By the end of a.Promote and 1. Briefing with Brgy 1 Jan. 2,000 MPM-RD Students
2017, at least educate the Capt. and Brgy
70% of the primary and Officials
target audience secondary
can cite 2 or audience on 2. Conduct of 1- 1 Jan. 15,000 MPM-RD Students,
more correct the Davao Gulf dayFisheries Forum BFAR FLEU Team,
facts about the Closed Season DENR, LGU
Davao Gulf Policy and
Closed Season other 3. Conduct of 2 May May 5,000 5,000 BFAR, DENR, DILG,
implementation environmental Barangay Forums LGU
conservation (Pulong-Pulong)
activities.
4. Distribution of IEC BFAR,DILG, LGU
materials in a
language that can
be easily
understood 1,000 Jan, May May, 10,000 10,000 10,000
- Flyers 5,00 May, Oct Oct
- Brochures 15 June
- Tarpaulins 2 Oct 30,000

5. AVP Production 2 May 50,000

for Showing in BFAR, DILG, LGU
Public Schools
 86

b. Work in 1. Capacity Building

partnership/ - Strengthening of 3 April May May 15,000 15,000 15,000 BFAR, DENR, DILG,
convergence the FARMC LGU
with other - Strengthening of 3 April May May 20,000 20,000 15,000 BFAR, DENR, PNP,
government Bantay-dagat PCG, LGU
institutions
( National - Organization 1 May 10,000 CDA, LGU
agencies, and
LGUs, Strengthening of
academes) Fisherfolk
Association
2. School Campaign 2 Oct. Oct 60,000 100,000 BFAR, LGU,
- Poster/Mural Kaputian
Contest Elementary School,
Kaputian National
High School
By 2019, the a. Encourage 1. FARMC Meeting 30 Every Every Every 2,000 2,000 2,000 FARMC, LGU
number of community to and Consultation month month month
apprehensions actively 2. Monitoring and As need 30,000 50,000 50,000 LGU
on Illegal, participate in surveillance of arises
Unreported, the protection Bantay dagat in
and and municipal waters
unregulated conservation
fishing of coastal and
(IUUF)activitie marine
s related to resources
the
implementatio
n of the Davao b.Capacitating 1. Orientation and 2 1 1 10,000 10,000 BFAR, DILG, LGU
Gulf Closed other seminar for
Season community Barangay Pulis on
decreases by members on Davao Gulf Closed
90%as Davao Closed Season Policy &
 87

compared to Season Policy Implementation

2014 levels. and
implementation

By 2020, small Encourage a. Conduct Skills 3 1 1 1 50,000 50,000 50,000 BFAR, DA, DTI,
pelagic fish community to training for DENR
stocks become pro- sustainable
population active in livelihood projects
increases to maintaining a
50% or more healthy and b. Linkage and 1 1 150,000 DA, BFAR, LGU
from 2014 revive Davao Gulf Provision of
population livelihood projects
 DAVAO GULF CLOSED SEASON ADVOCACY PLAN
FOR BARANGAY KAPUTIAN, ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL

1. Advocacy challenge

To enhance community responsiveness through increase levels of

participation, involvement and interest of fisherfolk, engaged in municipal

fishing and those employed by commercial fishing vessels on the Davao

Gulf Closed Season policy and the conservation of the environment as a

whole.

2. Key audiences.

A. Who are the primary and secondary audiences?

Primary Audience

• Fisherfolk (Municipal, fish workers, commercial fishing operators,

fish traders)
• Barangay Kaputian elected leaders ( Barangay Council)

Secondary Audience

• Kaputian Elementary School

• Kaputian National High School
• Other members of the Community
• Community Associations/Cooperatives
• Religious Groups, Youth and Senior Citizens
• Other government Institutions in Kaputian ( AFP, PNP and the LGU)
• Media

B. Who influences these groups

• Fisherfolk leaders, employers
• Brgy. Captain, FARMC Leader
• Principal
• Community Leaders
• Parish Priest
88
 89

• Chief of Police, Command Officer (CO)

3. Result Chain for Advocacy Campaign of Davao Gulf Closed Season

Policy

Increased Increased Increased Decrease # Increase Healthy

Advocacy knowledge participatio adherence of IUUF small and
Campaign about n in DGSC to policy during pelagic fish revived
Davao Gulf implementa DGSC population Davao
Closed tion implement Gulf
Season ation
Policy

Result 1 Result 2 Result 3 Result 4 Result 5 Result 6

4. Objectives

a. By the end of 2017, at least 70% of the target audience can cite 2

or more correct facts about the Davao Gulf Closed Season

implementation.
b. By 2019, the number of apprehensions on Illegal, Unreported, and

unregulated fishing (IUUF) activities related to the implementation

of the Davao Gulf Closed Season decreases by 90%as compared

to 2014 levels.
c. By 2020, small pelagic fish stocks population increases to 50% or

more from 2014 population.

5. Message points

• The implementation of the Davao Gulf Closed Season is an

important regulatory measure to rehabilitate and conserve fishery

and aquatic resources of the Davao Gulf.

 90

• Environmental conservation and protection ensures sustainability

of resources for future generation.

6. Activities

a. Briefing with Brgy Capt. and Brgy Officials

b. Conduct of 1-dayFisheries Forum
c. Conduct of Barangay Forums (Pulong-Pulong)
d. Distribution of IEC materials in a language that can be easily

understood
- Flyers
- Brochures
- Tarpaulines
e. AVP Production for Showing in Public Schools
f. Capacity Building
- Strengthening of the FARMC
- Strengthening of Bantay-dagat
- Organization and Strengthening of Fisherfolk Association
g. School Campaign
- Poster/Mural Contest
h. FARMC Meeting and Consultation
i. Monitoring and surveillance of Bantay dagat in municipal waters
j. Orientation and seminar for Barangay Pulis on Davao Gulf Closed

Season Policy & Implementation

k. Conduct Skills training for sustainable livelihood projects
l. Linkage and Provision of livelihood projects

7. Timeline

The plan will be implemented within the duration of 3 years. There are

activities that will be conducted on a regular basis starting from year 1

and onwards.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation

 91

a. Objective 1. By the end of 2017, at least 70% of the target

audience can cite 2 or more correct facts about the Davao Gulf

Closed Season implementation.

Evaluation Questions:
1. Does survey show an increase in the number of target audience

who can cite 2or more correct facts about the Davao Gulf

Closed Season Policy?

2. Does Capacity building post test evaluation show an increase in

the knowledge of participants at a rate of at least 70% ?

b. By 2019, the number of apprehensions on Illegal, Unreported, and

unregulated fishing (IUUF) activities related to the implementation

of the Davao Gulf Closed Season decreases by 90%as compared

to 2014 levels.

Evaluation Questions:
1. Does records show a decrease in the number of apprehended

illegal fishing violators?

2. Does the community show increase level of responsiveness

through active participation and involvement in the implementation

of the Davao Gulf Closed Season?

c. By 2020, small pelagic fish stocks population increases to 50% or

more from 2014 population.

Evaluation Question
1. Does record show an increase in small pelagic fish stock population

in Davao Gulf?
2. Does the community practice sustainable livelihood practices?
92