ALAB SA PAGHUBOG AT PAGBANGON: THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF FISHERMEN IN

BRGY. MAYO MATI CITY

A Qualitative Research presented to the Faculty and Staff of

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY ACADEMY

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in

RESEARCH IN DAILY LIFE 1

DAWANG, REINNE DANIELLE MICHELLE C.

PENARANDA, ALYSSANDRA A.
SOLLER, KRISTIAN ANGELO F.
PARANGAN, JOHN LESTER A.
ZASPA, GABB YZABELLE M.
SAGPANG JOSH MERWIN R.
LACSON, CLARK ANDREI N.
TUBALLA, TRISTAN JOSH
CAIÑA, RUPERT GIAN H.
MAGNAUS, ARVILLE M.
AGUSTIN, KRISTINE M.
SANTIAGO, GHYLLE
VIDOY, REYNAN L.

Grade 11 - HUMSS COURAGE

DECEMBER 2022
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

RATIONALE

Fishing is one of the oldest human occupations and a fundamental human activity in

many countries for it is regarded as a vital source of employment that provides coastal

residents with a living income, economic prosperity, and food security. As a response, their

lived experiences may vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the location and type

of fishing they undertake, the size and character of their fishing community, and the state of

the industry. As a matter of fact, the ADRC (Asian Disaster Reduction Center, 2019) stated

that the Philippines is an extremely vulnerable country to natural disasters such as

typhoons and earthquakes.

Consequently, Mangio (2017) added that this can be challenging for fishermen, as

they frequently work in hazardous conditions at sea and may be in grave danger during

severe weather events. Furthermore, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the

Nations, 2021) reported that, the Philippines has a large and growing population, which

may put pressure on fish populations and lead to competition among fishermen for limited

resources. As a result, many Filipino fishermen must contend with an ever-changing

regulatory framework and face different social, economic, and environmental challenges on

a daily basis.

For this reason, Arthur (n.d.) claimed that researchers have long been interested in

the lived experiences of fishermen for they aim to identify, acknowledge, raise awareness,

and provide solutions to the difficulties and challenges the fishermen face in the daily basis.

Hence, we, the researchers intend to investigate and explain the lived experiences of
fishermen in the Philippines, specifically in Barangay Mayo, Mati City, with an emphasis on

the obstacles they must overcome and the methods they employ to do so. In this study, we

seek to explore lives of fishermen in Barangay Mayo in order to gain a better understanding

of the challenges they face on a daily basis. Moreover, through in-depth interviews with a

wide range of fishermen, we are planning to discover the common issues that is happening

in Barangay Mayo in order to ensure solutions to the obstacles they encounter in daily

basis and to better evoke the challenges and their needs as a fisherman.

Accordingly, the Brgy. Mayo in the province of Davao Oriental is situated along the

shoreline of the City of Mati which is home to 3,591 people as indicated by Census (2015).

Thus, this represents 2.54% of the entire Mati population. Given this, 6,238 fishermen are

officially registered in Mati City as a whole, with about 138 of them specifically registered

only in Barangay Mayo. Moreover, Census (2015) showed that barangay Mayo has 427

residents, the majority of whom are children between the ages of 5 and 9 and

comparatively, the population of people 80 and older is the smallest, with only 28 people.

The uniqueness of this study centers on the lack or limited amount of research

studies of the fishermen in the City of Mati which further results to the lack of information

of their lived experiences and hardships. As a matter of fact, Deuze (n.d.) even noted that

the fishermen are evolving into a fully mediatized, multisensory, two-way interactive

environment, leaving little to no information about them and their endeavors and

encounters each year. As a result, this gap fills in between the fishermen and the lack of

information of the state of the fisheries in the city of Mati, particularly of those situated in

Brgy. Mayo.
 Finally, there is an urgency for this study to be conducted since it addresses the

different difficulties that fishermen face on a daily basis. Moreover, this study will not only

benefit the fishermen in Barangay Mayo, but also to all fishermen in the Philippines as it

will give the citizens of the city, the Brgy. Mayo LGU Officials, and the Bureau of Fisheries

and Aquatic Resources Agency a better understanding about their lived experiences. Thus,

this would able them find solutions, enhance their quality of life, and advance the

sustainable development of the fishermen.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

This phenomenological study aims to explore, determine, and acknowledge the lived

experiences of the fishermen in Barangay Mayo. This also encompasses the objective of

understanding and knowing the struggles and experiences encountered by the fishermen.

Aside from that, this study involves the proposition of their lived experiences, how the

problems they encounter affects their way of life, and what are their solutions and ways of

coping in order to open the door for life lessons. Hence, this study envelopes the

importance of fishermen and the ways in order to give solutions to their everyday

obstacles.

In addition, considering that struggle enlightens the importance of dedication and

perseverance, the purpose of this study is to also value and apprehend the fishermen in

acquiring the self-assurance they need to deal with everyday obstacles since, they have

enveloped a growth and optimistic mindset that also fosters hope for learning and

resilience, both of which are essential for combating and surviving the problems they are

facing in their daily life fishing. Hence, the purpose of this qualitative research is to raise

consciousness in the society as to what the fishermen have to venture and go through to

improve their lives on a daily basis. This study also ensures a profound investigation of the

difficulties of the fishermen and will also entail on what are the results of their struggles in

their lived experiences and the coping ways they experience to life of hardships.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS

In order better understand the various living experiences of the fishermen and how

they were able to handle the different situations, it intends to seek answers to the following

questions:

1. What are the challenges encountered by the fishermen in Brgy. Mayo that affected

their lived experiences?

2. How do the fishermen cope with the different challenges encountered in their

daily life in fishing?

3. What are the life lessons and aspirations that will transpire based on the living

experiences of the fishermen of Brgy. Mayo?

THEORETICAL LENS

The Theory of Fisherman's Successor-Cultivation

Khong (n.d.) theorized the theory of fisherman's successor-cultivation in which it

emphasized the need to comprehend the nature of fisherman successor cultivation in order

to maintain equilibrium between the fisheries economy and the national economy. For this

reason, the government is primarily responsible for the successor of the cultivation in

order to facilitate the economic foundation of the fishermen successors, who intend to

choose "fisheries" as their own occupation. Therefore, if the successor chooses "fisheries"

as their occupation, they should be content with the occupation's requirements since

fishing is a means of subsistence, self-discovery, and social role fulfillment.

Moreover, this theory correlates to our study in a way that this will satisfy the

fisheries of Barangay Mayo in proposing an environment that is in good shape since the

cultivation is promulgated that would further improve the economic performance. This

theory will also connect, and discover the individuality of the fishermen. Furthermore,

Busan National Fisheries University (n.d.) reports that this theory will benefit the lived

experiences of fishermen in ways such as this will improve their social status since, the

present fishing-centered fisheries system will be reformed into the fish-farming-centered

fisheries system in which the fishermen will be given additional business that results to the

improvement of the economic force.

Theory of the Tragedy of Commons

 The theory of the tragedy of the commons, put forth by Hardin (1954),

hypothesizes that the fishing industry may devolve into tragedy since each fisherman is

compelled to multiply his catch indefinitely, leading to a confined environment. In light of

the fact that many fishermen switch to pursuing several fish, this theory asserts that there

is no doubt that conflicts get to happen to resources that might want to rise inside of the

circumstance. As a result, over the course of the countless years, numerous entries have

discussed that this theory envelopes the worst forms of abuse and, in some cases,

obliteration due to exploitation.

For this reason, this theory relates to the fishermen and fisheries in Barangay Mayo

since there is a classic illustration of the tragedy of the commons, which occurs everyone

has access to the resources that leads to competition and conflict. Because of this, the rule

of capture prevails, making it difficult to establish and safeguard the fish in the sea.

Moreover, Spiliakos (2019) asserted that this theory refers to a situation in which

individuals with access to a public resource act in their own interest and, in doing so,

ultimately deplete the resource. As a result, this theory involves the lived experiences of the

fishermen since this increases the shortage of supply just as quickly, resulting to

overhunting and overfishing which risks further marine ecosystem endangerment and the

livelihood of the fishermen.

Fisheries Management Theory

The fisheries management theory of Lackey (1987) is the practice of studying,

planning, and executing decisions to preserve or change the structure, dynamics, and

interactions of habitat, aquatic biota, and man in order to achieve stated human goals and
objectives through the aquatic resource. Further to that, this theory entails conducting

evaluations, forming opinions, and acting on those opinions to keep or change the

structure, dynamics, and connections of the segment with the submarine biota and people

in order to achieve specific mortal pretensions and objectives through the submarine

resource. In simple terms, this theory holds that all benefits from fisheries belong to man.

Moreover, this theory is relevant to our study because it includes learning more

about the lifestyles of fishermen and it also demonstrates that all fishermen, regardless of

their financial situation, should be treated similarly. As a result, this theory may sharpen

their analytic and decision-making abilities, which will be useful in terms of improving

their lived experiences. Thus, in accordance with this theory, fishermen in Barangay Mayo

could further assist in establishing excellent decisions-making skills in order to maintain

and achieve specific human objectives and goals through the aquatic recourses.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This research study will serve as a part of a larger scheme that focuses on upholding

the study of knowing and acknowledging the lived experiences of the fishermen in

Barangay Mayo in the hopes that these experiences may generate awareness among the

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Agency and the Barangay Mayo LGU Officials of

the significance of fishermen and how they can provide better support systems in attaining

to halt their obstacles. Accordingly, Tursi (2015) stated that a vital aspect of community life

is played by the fisherman. Hence, this study will benefit the fishermen of Barangay Mayo

in a way that they will be taken notice to the public to further offer solutions to the

difficulties they encounter on daily living.

Fishermen. Considering that this study focuses on lived experiences, the fishermen

are in the limelight of this study. This study will foretell of how it is beneficial to the

fishermen as a whole to disclose their lived experiences to the public.

The Barangay Mayo LGU Officials. The findings of this study will enlighten LGU

officials with regard to the hardships and difficulties that the fishermen in Barangay Mayo

are experiencing, which would likely open the possibility of making movement in seeking

solutions in order to improve the lifestyle of the fishermen.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). This study will assist the

BAFR in taking notice to the lived experiences of the fishermen which would evoke

accountability in terms of developing and improving their way of life.

 Future researchers. This study covers information encompassing the lived

experiences of the fishermen. Thus, the result of this study can be utilized as a reference for

future discussions that involve giving solutions or addressing the challenges the fishermen

encounter on a daily basis.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following definitions of key terms used in the study have been defined for

clarity:

The following key terms are:

Phenomenological- It is a qualitative approach that explores or examines the lived

experiences of the people in the different phenomena.

Qualitative- It relies on data obtained by the researcher from first-hand

observation, interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, participant-observation, recordings

made in natural settings, documents, and artifacts.

Lived Experiences- It refers to a person's decisions and experiences, as well as how

these certain decisions and experiences helped that person gain knowledge about life.

Fishermen- Refers to any person that engages in fishing as an occupation.

Fishing- It refers to search and exploitation of aquatic animals in water bodies both

ocean and inland.

Challenges- This refers to problems and difficulties that come from all domains and

requires great efforts, perseverance, and persistence in order to deal with a set of

situations to overcome.

Coping Mechanisms- It refers to any modification or adaption, whether conscious

or unconscious, that lessens tension and anxiety during a stressful event or circumstance.
 Aspirations- Refers to having a strong desire in fulfilling the hopes and ambitions

to goal in life.
DELIMITATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

This qualitative study applies the phenomenological approach that focuses on the

lived experiences and struggles of fishermen in Barangay Mayo. Accordingly, we are

planning to utilize the profound in-depth interview and focus group discussion for the

purpose of igniting the informants to share their experiences and other pertinent

information regarding their lived experiences as a fisherman. Hence, the estimated

participants that would undergo through in-depth interviews are up to 10 fishermen.

Consequently, these fishermen will be encouraged to express themselves in stating

their thoughts and answers with regard to the interview questions provided. They are also

free to speak in Bisaya, Mandaya, and English language depending on what language they

are comfortable with. Moreover, the findings of this study may not cover all of the

information revolving around the lived experiences of the fisherman in the city, province,

or even in the country as there were only 10 participants selectively chosen for the study.

Hence, it is not generalizable.

Moreover, Song (2019) stated that the fishermen are often considered as an under-

privilege individual because of their status of living, the reason why they were not given

importance when it comes to research and assistance. For this reason, we decided to

further study and deepen our knowledge in terms of the lived experiences of the fishermen

so that we will be able to know and determine their and hardships and struggles they

undergo in daily basis. Therefore, the purpose this study is to make the lived experiences of

the fishermen as the core of attention so that we could provide solutions and give

fishermen a notice to the public, to the government, and to the different agencies.
LITERATURE REVIEW

This section presents the following literatures drawn from various studies that were

correlative and relevant to the current research. The ideas of the study presented

highlighted crucial concepts that would assist in the analysis and interpretation of the

research. The events were given in order of references.

Fishermen

Defining Fishermen

The word “Fishermen” was described by Anand (2021) as people who hunt for fish

or other marine life, such as shrimp or sea weed, in order to make a living. It indulges in a

very tiring and dangerous profession in order to sustain and make money at the same time.

Given this, Masury (n.d.) further elaborated the word “fishermen” as people who have an

intimate relationship with the marine ecosystems and the often first to notice changes in

the ecosystems and have a vested interest in conserving the ocean resources. Moreover, a

study by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2022) also reiterated

that fishermen are people who directly, personally, and physically engaged in taking,

culturing, and processing fishery or aquatic resources.

Broadly speaking, Khakzad and Griffith (2016) defined fishermen as people who

utilizes boats, fish houses, crafts, traditions, and other elements related to fishing that have

not only intervened in the natural environment over centuries in the coastal areas, but also

have established identity and place attachment. Accordingly, McGoodwin (2001) related

that these fishermen involve in certain human adaptations and behaviors that necessitates
the development of certain cultural characteristics and preserving the resources. In brief,

fishermen are people who engages to all activities relating to the act of preserving,

processing, marketing, developing, conserving, and managing aquatic resources thereof.

The Two Classifications of Fisheries

UN Atlas of the Oceans (United Nations Atlas of the Oceans, 2016) introduced the

two classifications of fisheries conducted by the fishermen, and this include the industrial

fisheries and the small-scale fisheries. The World Fisheries Trust (n.d.) defined industrial

fisheries as a fishery for non-food purposes that generally refers to the high level of

technology and investment that use big boats with worth of many millions in which are

often equipped with technology that are capable of efficient and giant catches. On the other

hand, Ashrafi et al. (2019) defined the small-scale fishery as a mental image of a small,

traditional fishing craft equipped with low-tech gear that requires labor-intensive fishing

methods in which the fishermen are typically the central subjects of this platonic scene

who operate boats individually or in small-crews in the pursuit of fish.

For this reason, Kuruc and Cross (n.d.) argued that because of industrial fisheries,

dilemmas such as overfishing, habitat damage, market and resource control are transpiring

which is not favorable to small-scale fisheries and small coastal communities since,

competition from other sectors, weak representation, and a lack of voice in resource

management is evident on their end. Consequently, FAO (Food and Agriculture

Organizations of the United Nations, 2020) disproved the argument by proving that

industrial fisheries are the main source of healthy seafood that the citizens see on the
grocery shelves, and aside from that, many countries and organizations are working to

make the fisheries more responsible and sustainable.

Moreover, McCauley et al. (2018) claimed that industrial fisheries are dominated by

vessels flagged to higher-income nations, that is therefore the countries that belong in the

first world. On the contrary, Komoroske and Lewison (2015) reiterated that small-scale

fisheries are prevalently occurring mostly in developing countries for the reason that, they

are complex to manage since they are tied inextricably to the resilience and fate of coastal

and reef ecosystems which are simultaneously impacted by global and local. Accordingly,

Purcell and Pomeroy (2019) asserted that in developing countries such as the Philippines,

there enshrined millions of women and men engaged in small-scale fishing and fish-

trading. In so, the industrial fisheries and small-scall fisheries both play a crucial role as a

source of livelihoods, food security, and income for millions of people around the world in

both developed and developing countries.

Philippines as a Small-Scale Fishery

Gavino (2022) stated that the Philippines over the past decades is still one of the

developing nations in the world that belongs to the third world. For this reason, the small-

scale fisheries in the Philippines are still prevalently occurring. As a matter of fact, a study

conducted by Badiola et al. (2021) reported that there are nearly two million active

fishermen in the Philippines that are preceding in the small-scale fisheries and more than

80 percent of the fishers are characterized as small-scale fishers. Consequently,

Chuenpagdee and Jentoft (2018) purported that the contribution of these small-scale

fisheries would significantly make an impact to the Philippines in a way that this will
provide global and local food security, employment both directly and indirectly related to

fisheries, and to viable livelihoods.

Moreover, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2021)

highlighted the importance of small-scale fisheries in the prosperity and development of

the Philippines since it was elucidated that small-scale fishers provide economic growth

and sustainable fishing operations. Aside from that, Noman et al. (2017) further explicated

the contribution of the small-scale fisheries in improving the socio-economic development,

environmental development, food security, and poverty alleviation of the nation.

However, despite its impressive contribution and importance to the development of

the nation, Chuenpagdee and Jentoft (2018) asserted that small-scale fisheries are often in

marginalized and disadvantaged situations since their conditions are not always favorable

to sustain their overall position within the value chain. Hence, regardless of the

contribution that the small-fisheries could indulge, once the obstruction of marginalization

and disadvantage is occurring continually, the persistence of the growth and development

of the Philippines would still remain a blockage.

Problems Of the Small-Scale Fishery in The Philippines

The study of Muallil et al. (2014) reinstated that managing small-scale fisheries in a

developing country like the Philippines is very challenging since high pressures from

overfishing is apparent, poverty is evident, and lack of alternative options is indisputable.

For these reasons, the problems revolving around the small-scale fisheries would further

marginalize the poor fishers which could pose more serious problems in coastal
communities. Accordingly, Pata and Yñ iguez (2021) claimed that the dilemmas of small-

scale fisheries in the Philippines such as overfishing from expanding population,

unregulated extraction, improved fishing technology among others, habitat deterioration

from destructive fishing practices, pollution, and irresponsible coastal developments are

seriously threatening the fishery with collapse beyond recovery unless urgent actions are

taken.

Consequently, Pata and Yñ iguez (2021) affirmed that the 2 million small-scale

fishers all around the Philippines have undergone the dilemmas that imposes a major

threat not only to the marine biodiversity in the Philippines, but also to the development of

the nation. For this reason, Rashid (2021) further asserted that the importance of the

small-scale fisheries in the Philippines are often undermined as a result of the lack of

government initiative, unsustainability, lack of access to financing, restricted market

access, and the need to ensure quality of fish products. Hence, it is important to understand

the socio-economic aspects of small-scale fishing communities in order to address the

challenges they face and to benefit from opportunities which may be present.

Evidence Of the Problem

Rare (2017) recapped a story of Rodel Bolañ os, a small-scale Filipino fisherman who

has been affected by the dilemma of overfishing for the past few years. For Rodel, being a

fisherman became his source of living that he relies thoroughly. However, due to the most

heavily fished seas in a critically overfished world, the catch of Rodel even after spending 6

to 7 hours in the sea is still alarmingly low and smaller both in size and quantity. Rodel

further stated the difference between his life as a fishermen 14 years ago and now. Back
before, even if he fished near the shore, he would still catch a lot of fish. Now, even if he has

to go far from the shore to catch fish, it sadly yields a small harvest.

Accordingly, this living experience of Rodel correlates to the living experiences of

the small-scale fishers in the Philippines as a whole. As a matter of fact, Fabro and Sanchez

(2021) reported that 70% of the Philippines’ fish stocks are considered overfished,

resulting in the critical decline of both domestic commercial and municipal fisheries

production since 2010. For this reason, fishermen in the Philippines have been

continuously plagued by overfishing and as pursuant, this story foretells an important

reminder of how the problem associated in fishing gradually affected the lived experiences

of the small-scale fisheries in the Philippines.

Solutions To the Problems

Chuenpagdee and Jentoft (2018) posed solutions for the problems revolving around

small-scale fisheries in the Philippines. Accordingly, the action of acknowledging the values

and importance of small-scale fisheries in implying policy measures that may lead to

change in the distribution of resources and power, the heed for recognizing their values

and importance, making it possible for them to realize their contributions and become

prosperous, and by simply needing to know more about their characteristics, situations,

and potentials, at local, national, regional, and global scales through conducting research

studies would impose a massive contribution to the eradication of the problems revolving

around the small-scale fisheries in the Philippines.

 Moreover, the study of Pereza et al. (n.d.) constituted the probable solutions in

terminating the problem of small-scale fisheries in the Philippines. It elucidates that in

order to improve the management of small-scale fisheries, the core of sustaining,

protecting, developing, capacitating, institutionalizing, and communicating must be

proposed to reverse the deteriorating conditions. Accordingly, Salayo and Perez (n.d.)

referred the word ‘sustain’ as a conservation and rational use of the fishery resources for

the benefit of both present and future generations. Additionally, the word ‘protect’ refers to

the preventive steps to be undertaken to manage the risks or threats to fisheries and

associated ecosystems and this includes efforts to conserve coral reefs, mangroves,

seagrass beds and soft-bottom communities, as well as to minimize the negative impacts of

pollutants from all sources.

Given this, the word ‘develop’ relates to the development of the small-scale fisheries

in geographical areas that involves in developing sustainable livelihoods, as well as

improving fisheries products along value chains to raise the standard of living of fishers

and their dependents. Aside from that, the word ‘capacitate’ refers to the capacity-building

endeavors that are needed to enhance the capacity of LGUs, municipal fishers and other

relevant stakeholders. Finally, the word ‘communicate’ refers to the generation of pertinent

information and knowledge, as well as the exchange of ideas and information among

coastal stakeholders that is essential for effective fisheries governance. Clearly, the study of

Salayo and Perez (n.d.) encompassed solutions in order to better manage and eradicate the

problems revolving around the small-scale fisheries in the Philippines.

Synthesis
 The definition of fishermen is not complex as it seems, but studies have different

approach in defining them. Anand (2021) defined "fishermen" as individuals who go out in

search of fish or other marine life, such as shrimp or sea weed, in order to make a living.

Comparatively, Masury (n.d.) described fishermen as having a close connection to marine

ecosystems, being frequently the first to notice changes to those ecosystems, and having a

stake in protecting ocean resources. In contrast, a study by McGoodwin (2021) claimed that

these fishermen engage in specific human behaviors and adaptations that call for the

development of specific cultural traits and the preservation of the resources. Whatever the

case, fishermen engage in all activities related to the conduct of preserving, processing,

marketing, developing, conserving, and managing aquatic resources thereof, irrespective of

the various definitions that have been supported.

More specifically, the fishermen have these fisheries, which fall into two categories:

industrial fisheries and small-scale fisheries. In light of this, the World Fisheries Trust (n.d.)

defines industrial fisheries as a fishery for non-food purposes that generally refers to the

high level of technology and investment that uses large fish capable of efficient and

enormous catches. The small-scale fishery, on the other hand, is defined by Ashrafi et al.

(2019) as a mental picture of a small, traditional fishing craft outfitted with low-tech

equipment that necessitates labor-intensive fishing methods. The fishermen are typically

the main characters of this platonic scene and operate boats alone or in small crews in

search of fish.

Due to this, the argument of Kuruc and Cross (n.d.) has emerged, which supports the

idea that industrial fisheries continue problems like overfishing, habitat destruction,
market control, and resource management, all of which are completely detrimental to

small-scale fisheries and coastal communities due to competition from other industries,

poor representation, and a lack of voice on their end. According to the study by Badiola et

al. (2021), this conundrum affects the two million active small-scale fishermen in the

Philippines and would further marginalize and disadvantage the fishermen because their

fisheries aren't always conducive to maintaining their overall position within the value

chain, as stated by Chuenpagdee and Jentoft (2018).

Hence, the study of Pereza et al. (n.d.) poses solutions such as the action of

sustaining, protecting, developing, capacitating, institutionalizing, and communicating the

deteriorating conditions. Accordingly, Salayo and Perez (n.d.) define "sustain" as the

conservation and wise use of fishery resources for the benefit of both current and future

generations, "protect" as the preventive measures that must be taken to manage fisheries

risks or threats, "develop" as the expansion of small-scale fisheries globally, and

"capacitate" as the endeavors necessary to build capacity, and the word "communicate,"

which represents the creation of pertinent knowledge and the sharing of ideas and

information among coastal stakeholders, all of which are necessary for efficient fisheries

governance..

Lived Experiences of the Fishermen in the Philippines

Fishermen in 2010s

Between the year 2010 and 2019, Canlas (2018) stated that there still around 4.6

million fishermen who live in extreme poverty both in urban and rural. This disclosure
therefore, wholly affects the livelihood of the fishermen since, their living experiences are

tormented because of utmost poverty. Consequently, a study by Orlowski (2017) disclosed

that the fishermen in the Philippines are in a downhill spiral of poverty since, they are

struggling to make a living for they have to go further out, expose their boats to rougher

ocean conditions, and then catch much less: two to four kilos per day on average. Because

of this, the fishermen will sell their product into short, highly disaggregated supply chains

with low profit margins at every segment, do not sustain the necessities needed by them

individually and their families.

Moreover, Macusi et al. (2021) reiterated that fishermen in the Philippines during

2010s are the most vulnerable to climate change and this have gradually affected their way

of living. During this decade, Santos (n.d.) also stated that the country has experienced the

worst of extreme weather conditions that constitutes to the additional pressure that could

exacerbate the current degradation of the Philippine ecosystem. For this reason, FAO (n.d.)

further asserted that the fishing communities and the people dependent on fisheries and

the fishermen itself, are vulnerable to the impact of climate change in terms of dwindling

stable livelihood, decreasing availability or quality of fish for food, and increasing safety

risks from fishing operations during harsh weather conditions. As a result, a study by Ojea

et al. (2020) foretold solutions in order to sustain the livelihood of the fishermen amidst

climate change. It foretells that during 2010s, the fishermen in the Philippines should

already indulge into the idea of diverse adaptation, resiliency, and transformation in order

to respond to changing conditions that is expected to worsen over time as the

consequences of the climate change would undeniably affect the living experiences of the

fishermen.
 Furthermore, Alava (n.d.) proclaimed that aside from climate change, the dilemma

of overfishing is also prevalently occurring during 2010s and this have made the lived

experiences of the fishermen difficult and tormenting. For this reason, USAID (United

States Agency International Development, n.d.) introduced that overfishing in the

Philippines occurs when too many fish are caught from a particular area, which can lead to

the depletion of fish stocks, downfall of the livelihoods of the fishermen, and the dilemma

of the of their living experiences. Moreover, Fabro and Sanchez (2021) reported that 70%

of the Philippines’ fish stocks are considered overfished, resulting in the critical decline of

both domestic commercial and municipal fisheries production since 2010.

As a response, Fabro and Sanchez (2021) further stated that overfishing have

affected the lived experiences of the fishermen in a way that they will catch nothing, or

sometimes, return home with a catch just enough to survive a day even after spending in

the sea for 10 hours and going out as early as 3 a.m. FAO (Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United Nations, n.d.) also added that this was not the case before

during the decade of 2000s where fish are still abundant and accessible to all. Because of

this, Bradley (2021) posed three solutions in order to gradually eradicate and combat the

dilemma of overfishing. Firstly, the author states that by creating more marine protected

areas in the Philippines, there will be a haven for fish to breed and thrive without

threatening their population. Secondly, the action of limiting the intake of fish from big

fisheries and companies will radically reduce overfishing issues and overproduction.

Thirdly, by educating sustainability and overfishing in Filipino schools, this will allow

future generations to understand the negative effects to overfishing and may provide

further solutions.
 Fishermen During the Outbreak of Covid-19

Since the early 2020, Sulit (2021) proclaimed that the new coronavirus disease

2019 better known as COVID-19 has rapidly spread throughout the globe impacting

severely not only on the lives of people but also the lived experiences of the fishermen.

Given this, Bersaldo (2021) reported that fish catch has considerably been reduced as

fishing activities are restricted and many fishers are prohibited from going to sea to fish

resulting in negative impacts on the human well-being in the fisheries sector. As a matter of

fact, Ercilla et al. (2021) further asserted that with the inability of the fishermen to go

outside their homes, survival became a challenge since the struggle of the fishermen also

reflects the struggles of his family, and when fishing becomes difficult for them, it will also

be difficult to put food on their tables and feed their families.

For this reason, FAO (2020) further shared the hardships which has been the lived

experiences of the fishermen during pandemic. It shares that during pandemic, the food

supply declined because of the disrupted food supply chain and prices for common goods

skyrocketed. Mukhtar (2020) also elaborated that since the fishers were prevented from

fishing, this frustrated the family as they cannot do anything about their situation other

than to wait for food packs from the local government, and during this time, Simunek et al.

(2021) asserted that travel restrictions were implemented have impose a big challenge for

the fishers’ families because according to many of them, their other family members who

are capable of finding jobs or already working outside their place of residence were not

able to travel due to the tight policy restrictions from border to border.
 In addition, the study of Chaturvedi et al. (2021) emphasized that the closing of the

educational institutions was not very helpful, as this has the unintended effect of some of

the families who are unable to cope up with the sudden change in the education system

since, there was a real struggle to teach their children at home for they could not teach

their children the lessons because of their very low educational attainment. Hence, Lee

(2020) proclaimed that this abrupt change was a great challenge to most, especially to the

less privilege homes such as the fishermen for their income cannot cope up to access the

digital resources and costly internet connections available.

Aside from that, the study of Betancourt et al. (2021) also stated that the lived

experiences of the fishermen were difficult since the hardship caused by limited fishing and

marketing activities lack of a meaningful social assistance package. Ferrer et al. (2021)

additionally shared that the women were also greatly affected by the transportation

restrictions and the burden of food insecurity were predominantly placed on them during

the pandemic. Moreover, Novio and Fernandez (2020) disclosed that the government

issued a directive in which fishing was exempted from restrictions, however, there was

confusion in the early months of implementation since there were numerous reports that

fishermen were apprehended by maritime authorities for allegedly violating quarantine

protocols. This circumstance therefore, was encountered by those fishermen who violated

the restrictions and instead of buying food, the money they earned is posted as bail for

violating the quarantine, and if they don’t have money, they are forced to borrow money

from other people in order to pay since they violated the quarantine protocols. Thus, shows

how vulnerable and marginalized the fishermen are during this dilemma.
 Consequently, this circumstance has further evoked the lending of relief and

support by the government. Mirasol (2020) declared that the Republic Act No. 11469

which was passed in March 2020, details the initial response measures of the government

to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Biong (2020) further elaborated that the local

government units (LGUs) played a greater role in supporting the fishermen during the

early months of the community quarantine by providing them with food packs and buying

fish for relief operations. As a matter of fact, in July 2020, the DA Communications Group

(2020) reported 442 LGUs procured directly from fishers for their food packs, generating

PHP2.6 billion in sales.

Synthesis

Since then, and particularly between the years of 2010 and 2019, the lived

experiences of fishermen and the difficulties they entail have always been at the center of

attention. As a matter of fact, Canlas (2018) stated that there are actually still 4.6 million

fishermen living in extreme poverty. Also, the information provided by Orlowski (2017)

also reveals that the Philippines' fishermen are trapped in a cycle of poverty because they

must travel farther offshore, expose their boats to rougher seas, and catch an average of

only two to four kilos per day in order to survive. As a result, the fishermen will not be able

to provide for their own needs and those of their families.

In addition, Macusi et al. (2021) claimed that in 2010s, Filipino fishermen were the

group most at risk from climate change Additionally, Santos (n.d.), asserted that this decade

has seen the worst in terms of extreme weather conditions, which adds to the pressure

already exerted on the Philippine ecosystem and makes fishing communities, people who
depend on fisheries, and even fishermen themselves susceptible to the effects of climate

change. In order to respond to these changing conditions, a study by Ojea et al. (2020)

foretells solutions by focusing on the concept of diverse adaptation, resiliency, and

transformation.

Furthermore, the study by Alava (n.d.) asserted that overfishing and climate change

have both been prevalent in the 2010s, making the lives of fishermen difficult and failing.

Because of this, Fabro and Sanchez (2021) stated that 70% of the fish stocks in the

Philippines are regarded as overfished. In response, overfishing has changed how

fishermen live their lives so that they sometimes catch nothing or only have enough fish to

last them a day, which was not the case in the 2000s when fish were still plentiful and

available to everyone, as the FAO (2020) stressed. Because of this, Bradley (2021)

suggested three ways to solve the overfishing issue: increase the number of marine

protected areas in the Philippines; restrict the consumption of fish from large fisheries and

corporations; and educate Filipino students about sustainability and overfishing.

In addition, COVID-19, a new coronavirus disease that recently emerged and spread

rapidly across the globe, created a significant negative impact on daily lives of the

fishermen. Sulit (2021) reports that the fish catch has significantly decreased because

fishing activities are restricted and many fishermen are not allowed to go out to sea to fish,

which has a negative impact on the human well-being in the fisheries sector. Ercilla et al.

(2021) continued by stating that the fishermen have to struggle in order to survive. For this

reason, Lee (2020) asserted that the sudden transition brought on by the pandemic was a

significant challenge for most, particularly for less privileged households like fishermen
whose income cannot support access to the expensive internet connections and digital

resources available.

Additionally, Novio and Fernandez's study (2020) revealed that although fishing

was excluded from restrictions as a result of a government directive, many fishermen were

detained by maritime authorities for allegedly breaking quarantine protocols due to

confusion, which illustrates how vulnerable and marginalized the fishermen are in this

situation. The Republic Act No. 11469 outlines the government's initial response measures

to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Biong (2020) adds that local government units (LGUs)

provided the fishermen with food packs and purchased fish for relief operations. As a

result, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the lending of relief and support by the

government.

The Coping Strategies of the Fishermen

Coping Strategies and Family Well-Being

In the study of Muflikhati and Hernawati (2016), it was indicated that fishermen

family is among the most vulnerable to various risks namely: uncertainty of production and

environmental fluctuations access to fish resources, price risk from unstable supply

conditions, and the risk of losses on assets held even risking their lives on sea conditions.

For this reason, Crona et al. (2010) stated that these risks therefore, have hamper the

family income of the fishermen, affected their lived experiences, and evoked economic

shocks for the family that cause stress since, the fulfillment is disturbed. In these

conditions, family needs to do coping so the situation can be controlled, restrained and
resolved. Borner et al. (2014) therefore shared four different coping strategies, namely: the

strategy of household proceedings of research world, the strategy of reallocated labor, the

strategy of sought outside, and the strategy of reducing consumption.

Firstly, the coping strategy named as “household proceedings of research world,” is

a strategy wherein it includes reports of spending savings or selling or renting out land or

other assets that would further assist the fishermen family in determining and assessing

their future endeavors in terms of their saving. Secondly, the coping strategy named as

“reallocated labor” represents the initiation of the fishermen family in a new on - or farm

activities, or changes in activities, including the collection of more wild products. Thirdly,

the coping strategy named as “sought outside” includes seeking assistance or help from

friends, members, organizations, and the government in terms of their well-being and

problems revolving around their family. Finally, the coping strategy named as “reduced

consumption” includes reported reductions in spending or in the number of meals

prepared and consumed.

Coping Strategies for Climate Change Impacts

The study of Heliyon (2015) stated that fishermen are always expected to adapt to

fishing activities due to weather and fishing season. These fishermen therefore, are obliged

to develop an adequate adaptation strategy to solve the problem of fulfilling their needs,

known as coping strategies. For problems such as climate change, Hobday et al. (2016)

reiterated that fishermen may indulge in the adaptation of fishing techniques as one of

their coping strategies since, this will impart resiliency to the impacts of climate change.

For instance, the fishermen may switch to using different gear or targeting different species
of fish that are more resilient to changing environmental conditions. Additionally, Hobday

et al. (2015) added the strategy of investing in infrastructure wherein the fishermen may

invest in infrastructure, such as ice-making facilities or more durable boats, in order to

make their operations more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

Besides this, Polasky (2013) further stated that diversifying income sources is also

one of the coping strategies that the fishermen may envelope in order to cope with the

climatic changes. In this strategy, fishermen may try to diversify their income sources by

engaging in other activities, such as aquaculture or tourism, in order to reduce their

reliance on fishing. Moreover, the study of Schultz et al. (2015) added that participating in

adaptive governance is one of the strategies that would cope the fishermen in the impacts

of climate change since, in this strategy, fishermen will participate to adaptive governance

initiatives, such as fisheries management committees or other types of stakeholder groups,

in order to influence policy decisions and shape the response to climate change.

Aside from that, Bell et al. (2020) also introduced the developing risk management

strategies as one of the coping strategies since, this will induce insurance or other types of

financial instruments in order to protect themselves against the impacts of climate change.

Given this, Turner et al. (2014) further introduced the strategy of building social networks

and seeking support. In this coping strategy, the fishermen may be able to seek out social

support and build networks with other fishermen, community organizations, and other

stakeholders in order to share knowledge and resources, advocate for their interests, and

provide solutions in terms of the never-ending climatic changes.

Coping Strategies During Covid-19 Pandemic

 Naidoo and Fisher (2020) asserted that when the Covid-19 pandemic has stroked, it

exacerbated global systemic shock with wide-ranging impacts such as unraveling the

weaknesses and vulnerabilities in multiple dimensions of societal systems, crucially

including the production, marketing, and capturing of the fisheries. The crisis therefore,

requires to not only understand how aquaculture and fisheries are impacted but,

importantly, to acknowledge and decipher the different coping strategies indulged by the

fishermen in order to learn more about their ways of coping and recovering from shocks.

In light of this, the various coping strategies that were practiced by the fishermen

emerged due to subsequent lockdown were disclosed, namely: online buying, peddling

caught fish in communities, diversifying income, and growing of their own food. The coping

strategy of online buying and selling have been practiced in different parts of the

Philippines, including the study area, prior to the Covid-19 crisis. As a matter of fact,

Lorenciana (2020) stated that this strategy was influenced by high levels of Facebook

usage even in rural areas, through free Facebook access provided for subscribers of the

Philippine’s two largest telecommunication networks such as Smart and Globe. Given with

the limited physical market access and restricted mobility, online selling and buying

became a vital avenue for market exchange.

Given this, the study of Lorenciana further elaborated that perishable commodity

such as fishing found their way into these online spaces since, fish farmers who have

harvested their catch, shared information about their fish in such platforms. Hence, within

the small communities where mobility was not hampered by border crossings and check

points, orders were increasingly made online, and goods were delivered to buyers’ homes.
As a matter fact, the study of Marnosa et al. (2021) recapped a story of a fisherman in

Paombong who joined a fish organization wherein his fellow members started to post the

fishes they catch online. However, this organization whom he joined only sell to those who

are near and can be reached by bicycle since they are afraid of going far because of the

crisis.

Moreover, apart from online marketing, fishermen also coped with market

disruptions by regularly peddling caught fish within their communities. Typically, peddling

is done by wives of fishers. These peddled fish however, is sold for lower prices than in fish

markets. Regardless, this still enabled the households to earn from fish catch in the face of

limited access to output markets and it also enabled physical and economic access to fish

among community members when mobility was restricted and incomes from various types

of livelihoods were reduced.

Aside from that, the coping strategy of diversifying income also assisted the

fishermen in coping amidst Covid-19. Accordingly, the study of Marnosa et al. (2021)

further provided instances whereby the strategy of diversifying income is evident and

conducted by the fishermen. These instances therefore are seen through having other

household members who are still employed in their respective jobs, holding a job in

government while also earning from capture fisheries through fish traps, fishers working

as laborer in nursery operations when they are not fishing, other household members

earning through small-scale and informal businesses such as home-cooked and delivery of

meals, and fish farmers venturing into production of other goods such as eggs.
 The growing of own food through vegetable gardens also rose the strategy of the

fishermen to cope amidst the pandemic. During the lockdown, a study conducted by Reyes

(2020) shared that agriculture offices in municipalities distributed vegetable seeds in order

to support and further encourage home gardening. This, therefore evoked the fishermen

households to grow their own food in their own gardens or had direct access to fish

through capture fishing reported being able to get by.

Synthesis

The fishermen use a variety of coping mechanisms to help them deal with problems

or events that may have an impact on their daily lives. Borner et al. (2014) provided four

different coping strategies for the family of fishermen, including the strategy of household

research world proceedings, the strategy of reallocating labor, the strategy of seeking

outside, and the strategy of reducing consumption. Aside from this, this literature included

the different coping strategies when it comes on the climate change impacts and these are

the strategy of the adaptation of fishing techniques, diversifying income sources,

participating in adaptive governance, developing the risk management strategies, and

building social networks and seeking support. Last but not least, the literature also explains

the coping mechanisms used by fishermen during the Covid-19 Pandemic. These

mechanisms include online shopping, selling caught fish in local communities, diversifying

income, and growing their own food.

Emerging Lessons

The Life of the Fishermen

 The life of the fishermen in the Philippines are challenging for it encompasses with

risks such as adverse weather conditions, physical injuries, financial instability, and

unprecedented phenomena. Aside from that, Alvina (2022) added that many fishermen

also face challenges related to overfishing, pollution, and the impacts of climate change,

which can affect the availability and quality of fish stocks. Notwithstanding, Fabian (2019)

asserted that the fishermen still strived and persist even after even after working for long

hours, with some spending days or weeks at sea which can be physically demanding and

may involve lifting heavy gear and working in adverse weather conditions.

In light of this, the study of Ong (2020) further emphasized that there are many life

lessons that the people may equip themselves with by basing on the lived experiences of

the fishermen. These are therefore the life lessons of having patience and persistence,

respect for nature, adaptability, and determination. The fishermen influenced the life

lesson of patience and persistence since in the study of Rivas (n.d.), it was indicated that

fishing can often be a waiting game for it requires patience and persistence to keep at it day

after day, no matter the weather or the catch. Moreover, DiBenedetto (2018) stated that the

lived experience of the fishermen also equipped the life lesson of having respect for the

nature since, the fishermen often work closely with the natural world, and because of this,

the public may learn to respect the forces of nature and the delicate balance of marine

ecosystems.

Aside from that, Pinlac (2019) also shared the life lesson of having adaptability

since just like the fishermen, they often have to adapt to changing conditions, and they

learn to be flexible and adaptable in their approach. Therefore, this derived the lesson of
being able to adapt, to improvise, and to be resourceful in order to find creative solutions to

problems. Finally, the study by Mhey (2021) elucidated the life lesson of having

determination since fishermen indulges in a physically and mentally demanding job, and

because of this, it requires determination and a strong work ethic to stay focused and stay

committed to the task at hand. Hence, this teaches the public to persevere even in the face

of challenges and setbacks.

Synthesis

The lessons of having patience and persistence, respect for nature, adaptability, and

determination are those that are emerging from the lived experiences of the fishermen.

Similar to what was found in Rivas' study (n.d.), fishermen had an impact on the life lesson

of patience and perseverance because fishing can frequently be a waiting game and

requires patience and perseverance to keep at it day in and day out, regardless of the

weather or the catch. Given this, the study by DiBenedetto (2018) also elaborated the

importance of respecting nature, as fishermen frequently interact closely with the natural

world. As a result, the general public may learn to respect nature's forces and the delicate

balance of marine ecosystems.

Apart from that, the study by Pinlac (2019) also imparted a life lesson on

adaptability because fishermen must also adjust to shifting conditions and develop flexible

and adaptable approaches. As a result, the lesson learned from this was the importance of

being adaptable, able to improvise, and resourceful in order to come up with original

solutions to issues. Finally, the research conducted by Mhey (2021) clarified the

importance of having determination because, just as in the lived experiences of fishermen,

 who frequently engage in a physically and mentally demanding job, it takes tenacity and a

strong work ethic to remain focused and remain committed to the task at hand.

Consequently, this teaches the general public to persist even in the face of challenges and

setbacks.

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%20Industrial%20Fishery.pdf
 CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methods and procedures used in this qualitative study.

This chapter also discusses in detail the research design, research participants, data

sources, data collection, data analysis, the trustworthiness of the study, ethical

considerations, and interview questions.

RESEARCH DESIGN

The research study made use of the qualitative research design, specifically

phenomenology. Phenomenology is the study of human experience and of the ways things

present themselves to us in and through such experience (Sokolowski, 2000). It is also the

study of structures of consciousness as experienced from the first-person point of view

(Siewert et al., 2003). Moreover, the qualitative method focuses on understanding a

research query as a humanistic or idealistic approach (Pathak et al., 2013). It is a process of

naturalistic inquiry that seeks an in-depth understanding of social phenomena within their

natural setting (University of Texas Arlington, 2022).

In the process of analysis, this study utilized the phenomenological approach

because the researchers deciphered that this approach is an effective instrument in getting

comprehensible lived experiences, piercing into their thoughts, feelings, and actions to
obtain awareness and understanding from their experiences. It demonstrates the specific

details of the experience and how the subjects see them. It was a suitable instrument in our

study wherein researchers visualized and investigated the actual experiences of our

fishermen participants. In the study, researchers analyzed the information gathered from

the in-depth interview (IDI) and the focus group discussion (FGD), giving much attention to

the details and the importance of the emotional content to open up an array of human

experiences of the subjects involved in the study. Hence, both these methods will provide a

detailed understanding of the lived experiences of the fishermen in Barangay Mayo, Mati

City.

The researchers in this study probed the fishermen's viewpoints, sentiments, and

comprehension of their personal experiences in Brgy. Mayo. The themes of the phenomena

were also categorized with ten respondents for the in-depth interviews since under the

study of, Creswell et al. (2009), phenomenological qualitative research recommends that

for in-depth interviews, researchers speak with 10 to 15 participants who have

encountered the same phenomenon if they want to meet the criteria for representativeness

and generalizability from a small number of respondents. In order to deliberately have an

immediate examination and understanding, Giorgi (2012) also asserted that

phenomenology required conducting in-depth interviews with a limited sample of

participants and examining their perspectives.

RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS

The participants of this study were the 10 small-scale fishermen of Brgy. Mayo, Mati

City. They were selected through purposive sampling based on pre-selected criteria

relevant to the study (Richards & Morse 2007). The participants were chosen using the

following sampling criteria: (1) subsistence fishermen who wholly depend on their

livelihood in fishing; (2) the participants' age ranges from 20- 60 years old respectively; (3)

the fishermen have a family with 3-6 members; (4) the fishermen solely economic

orientation was to fulfill his needs and his family; (5) the fishermen had encountered

difficulties that affected their lived experiences; (6) the fishermen have the capacity and

willingness to participate and provide first-hand information of their experiences in the

research.

Moreover, in order to ensure that the participants would fit into the criterion above

mentioned, the method of purposive sampling will be applied due to the reason that this

will equip the researchers to further rely on their own judgment when it comes to selecting

the participants that are to be studied and interviewed (Nikolopoulou, 2022). This will also

give more leverage to the researchers to perform and bring out the best information

possible from the samples as it depends on the knowledge, judgment, and intellect of the

researchers to a large extent (Dudovskiy, n.d.). Hence, purposive sampling is a form of non-

probability sampling wherein the decisions and experiences concerning the individuals
that are to be included in the sample are taken by the researchers and based upon a variety

of criteria and judgments (Kathmandu School of Law, 2015)

In this case, the method of purposive sampling permits the researchers to start with a

purpose in mind on deciding who are the well-suited participants that are capable of

bringing out the best information possible for the research study. The researchers will then

set out in identifying and choosing participants that are likely to possess certain

characteristics or experiences based on the criterion provided. Afterward, the researchers

will have their judgment on whether or not the research participants that are identified

and partially chosen will interview and participate in the study. Given this, the assigned

researchers rely on their discretion to choose variables for the sample population.

The method of purposive sampling was applied until the researchers reach the ideal

number of 10 participants for the in-depth interview (IDI). Furthermore, Creswell (2006)

recommended that researchers could adopt 5-10 individuals who had experienced the

same phenomenon for in-depth interviews. Relative to this, (Englander, 2012) stated that,

in qualitative research, the researcher pursues knowledge by deeply penetrating to the

core of the experience, to seek the essence of a phenomenon, and not only how many

people have experienced such phenomena. These declarations and recommendations can

administer the assigned researchers in estimating how many participants were needed and

what should be conducted in order to evoke precise research results.

DATA SOURCES

This research study utilized the provided three research questions as the basis for

the probing questions during the in-depth interview (IDI) in order to find answers and

gather data from the research participants. Moreover, the in-depth interview is conducted

with an intention of uncovering in-depth details of interviewee's experience and

perspective on a subject (Showkat, 2017) and is also often considered as a form of

conversation, making it one of the most significant forms of data collection (Burges &

Lofland 1995). For this reason, the IDI will uncover and provide bulk of information about

the lived experiences of the 10 fishermen in Brgy. Mayo in Mati City. Hence, applying this

instrument aids the research participants in speaking out their minds in articulating and

providing a better understanding of their personal histories, perspectives, hardships, and

experiences to the different phenomena they encountered (Bernard, 1995).

DATA COLLECTION

In the collection of data of the study, the researchers underwent different processes

in order to uphold transparency, integrity, and impartiality. A formal letter was written to

the Brgy. Captain of Mayo in order to ensure that the legal procedures for conducting the

in-depth-interviews of the participants would be adhered to. Before conducting the actual

in-depth interviews with the study respondents, the assigned researchers made sure that

ethical considerations were properly observed by applying the key principles of ethical

issues (Bricki & Green, 2007) that should be considered in any research study which are

consent and confidentiality.

Moreover, since establishing a rapport or harmonious relationship is an essential

component of an interview (Bloom & Crabtree, 2006), the researchers explained the details

of the study, and making them understood that everything will be done in confidentiality.

After gaining their trust, the researchers asked them to sign the written consent provided.

Essentially, rapport involves trust and respect for the interviewee and the information

shared. Hence, it is very important to provide them a safe and comfortable environment for

sharing their personal experiences (Bloom & Crabtree, 2006). To comply this requirement,

the researchers made sure that the setting of the interview is conducted in a quiet room
that ensured privacy and away from distractions like a private office or in the comfort of

their homes, if they prefer.

After the participants have given their informed consent and is already in a

comfortable space, the in-depth-interview will begin. In-depth interview is one approach

that is to be done in order to gather information from the study participants. The in-depth

interview is a technique designed to elicit a vivid picture of the participant’s perspective on

the research topic (Mack et al., 2005). Each participant will have a one-on-one interview to

gather information. Throughout the interviews, open-ended questions will be utilized to

elicit opinions, experiences, and narratives. An IDI will be the main method that is to be

used to collect data for this qualitative investigation. Face-to-face interaction will also be

used for the in-depth interview. The information will be gathered through a semi-

structured interview based on the study's research questions. Each participant interview

session will be allocated 30 minutes.

For this reason, the data will be gathered through audio recordings of interviews

since audio or video recording improves the accuracy of the content shared in the focus

group or in-depth interview, as well as the speaker’s intonations (Akinyoade, 2013) with

the participants in a private setting either in their respective homes or private offices or

another neutral site such as a quiet coffee shop or private room. This audio recording of the

interview was transcribed verbatim and checked by the participants for confirmation if

everything was taken as it is. Confidentiality is observed in all sessions and with all

informants, consistently addressing them by their first name or nickname without using

their family name to conceal their real identity (Bricki & Green, 2007).
DATA ANALYSIS

In qualitative inquiry, data analysis is an ongoing process that intersects with the

process of data collection (Erlandson et al., 2013). The goal of data analysis in a descriptive

phenomenological study is to reduce the data to the essential aspects of the phenomenon

(Straughn, 2017). In this study, the data will be analyzed using the Colaizzi (1978) seven

step method of analysis. Colaizzi (1978) developed his descriptive phenomenology method

under the supervision of Giorgi (1970), and this method of descriptive phenomenological

analysis employs an active strategy to develop descriptions about human phenomenon

(Shosha, n.d.). To apply the method, the researchers will first transcribe and familiarize all

the description of the fishermen in Brgy. Mayo about their lived experiences in order to

obtain a general understanding of the data. Afterward, the researchers will extract the

significant statements and phrases of the participants that pertain to the phenomenon

under study.

From there, the researchers will then go on to formulate meanings from the

identified significant statements. Following the thorough formulation of meanings, the

assigned researchers will then classify the meanings found throughout the data into
themes, categories, and clusters evident in every participant's narrative. Out of these

clustered themes, the assigned researchers will develop a detailed description and write a

detailed and comprehensive description of the phenomena. The assigned researchers

would incorporate all the themes from the clustered themes. Following that, the designated

researchers will write the findings of the study into a full and inclusive description of the

phenomenon whereby the exhaustive description is shown and the fundamental structure

will compress the detailed description into a dense, thorough, and complete statement that

captures all the relevant characteristics that are crucial to the phenomenon's structure.

Given this, the researchers will acquire a reformulation of the exhaustive

description into a statement of identification of the fundamental structure of the

phenomenon. The researchers will seek verification of the fundamental structure or the

results of the transcript analysis and will give each participant a copy of the fundamental

structure statement once more to ensure that it accurately describes their experiences. As a

part of the final presentation of findings, the researchers will return to the participants, ask

them how the findings compare to their personal experiences, and integrate any relevant

new data resulting from the review process into the final research report in order for

further clarification and elaboration of their lived experiences.

The researchers should avoid imposing assumptions on the data collection process

or the data structure (Shosha, n.d.) since each of these methods has served as a means for

people to comprehend and express their lived experiences in meaningful ways and to gain

an understanding of lived experience (Frechette et al., 2020). Using Colaizzi's method may

assist the researchers in identifying main topics among other themes and understanding
the fundamental structures of experiences. The Colaizzi method is also helpful in providing

a description to the body of knowledge about human experience and therefore would be an

effective strategy to establish the basis for future research (Shosha, n.d.)

TRUSTWORTHINESS OF THE STUDY

The trustworthiness gives researchers the freedom to discuss the merits of qualitative

terms that states how a research study is important to evaluating its worth. (Lincoln &

Guba, 1985). To build the trustworthiness of the study, researchers, observed the

components of credibility, conformability, transferability and dependability.

CREDIBILITY. Credibility of the study, or belief in the accuracy of the research and,

consequently, the conclusions, is the most important aspect or criterion in establishing

trustworthiness (Lani, n.d.). The study lends credibility because the respondents' truthful

and detailed accounts of their experiences with fishing can support the claim and clarify

the study's findings. To ensure credibility, researchers present their findings to interview

subjects each and every time. The researcher will verify the findings and make sure they

understand what the respondents are attempting to say in their responses. During these

follow-up summaries, respondents also have the chance to offer additional viewpoints,

clarify their feedback, or validate it.

 TRANSFERABILITY. Guarantees that research is carried out in compliance with the

legitimate concepts and models that are derived from the previously reviewed theoretical

framework (Forsche, & Deport, 2005). Hence, to enable future replication studies, all study

data were made as transparent as possible, and a thorough description of the research

context was given.

CONFIRMABILITY. The degree to which the results can be confirmed or

corroborated by others is referred to as confirmability (Trochim, n.d.). The researchers will

document the ten respondents who were chosen to participate in the in-depth interview

for this study, and the procedures for checking and rechecking the data will be followed

throughout the study. In addition, the researchers will play "devil's advocate" with regard

to the results, actively searching for and describing negative instances that disprove prior

observations. Following the study, the researchers can perform a data audit, which

examines the data collection and analysis procedures and makes judgments about the

possibility of bias or distortion.

DEPENDABILITY. Establishes the reliability and consistency of the study's findings

(Moran, 2021). This further emphasizes the necessity for the researchers to take into

consideration the dynamic environment in which the research is conducted. Hence, the

researchers made sure that the conclusions are in line with the raw data gathered. The

researchers are also in charge of outlining how changes in the environment have an impact

on how the research was conducted.

ROLE OF THE RESEARCHER

The role of the researchers was to implement the qualitative standards of

credibility, dependability, and transferability to the processes of monitoring and reducing

bias, improving methodological proficiency, collecting data, analyzing data, and presenting

findings. The researchers are also obliged to be impartial amidst all odds, thus, bias is a

source of error. For this reason, it is vital for the researchers to keep an eye on this

tendency and work to suppress it from perpetuating further.

In addition, the researchers' task requires them to make an effort to learn about the

participants' thoughts, feelings, vulnerabilities, and information; as a result, the researchers

are required to uphold confidentiality and to protect the participants and their information.

The researchers must also be mindful of how to interpret and analyze the data in

accordance with the design. Finally, the researchers are expected to be transparent and

inquisitive, to have genuine sympathy and perseverance, to collaborate well with others,

and to carry out the research conscientiously.

 In qualitative research, the principal research tool are the researchers (Pezalla,

2012). This role therefore, would evoke understanding and acknowledgement for the

research participants in the study. Therefore, it is crucial for the researchers to cultivate

rapport or harmonious relationship among the participants. Due to this, the researchers

are the hope for shedding light on, increasing the awareness of, and offering solutions for

the problems encountered by the participants in the research study.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

To ensure that this research was conducted ethically, the researchers fully involved

ethical considerations and the rights of the participants in all aspects revolving the study.

The researcher will also protect the participants from harm in accordance with the

fundamental principles of research ethics, which is why the researcher will express

concerns about participant security and safety, right to withdraw, confidentiality, and

secrecy in the letter to participants. Furthermore, the researchers facilitated the

completion of consent forms, guaranteeing that the participants' full consent was obtained

even before the start of the study.

Informed Consent of the Respondent. Before conducting the in-depth interview

and focus group discussion, the researchers prepared an informed consent form to obtain

the respondent's assent to partake in the study's interview. The participant voluntarily

agreed to participate in the study and had the option to stop the interview if they

considered the researchers' questions unpleasant. Researchers emphasized key

information in the informed consent that the respondent should be aware of prior to the

interview. It ensures integrity, thoughtfulness, and avoiding exploitation in the study

process. Consent to participate in a study should always be included in the plan. If the

respondent voluntarily signed the consent form, researchers will immediately begin

conducting an interview.

The Risks, Benefits, and Safety. As of today, Covid 19 is still on-going. The

researchers ensure that the interviewing procedures are followed to protect the safety of

the interviewer and the interviewee. The researcher also thoroughly covered the

comprehension of the of the participants in terms of the study of nature, purpose, and

advantages throughout the interview. Moreover, the researchers chose the most

convenient time and location for the interview that would also benefit the respondents.

Respondents can ask questions during the interview, and researchers are willing to

respond.

Moreover, the researchers prioritize the respondent's safety, including the security

of the data recorded on the video recorder used to document their answers to the

questions. Assuring participants in research of the protection of their personal information

is one of the essential parts of protecting study participants. It includes preserving

participant anonymity, maintaining information confidentiality, and protecting their

privacy.

Confidentiality. Confidentiality ensures that any reports or published papers do

not contain such identifying information. Concerns for the respondent's safety in the study

require confidentiality. The researcher should respect respondents' privacy and adhere to
the Data Act of Privacy rules and regulations by protecting their personal information. The

video recorder will be completely secured to prevent unauthorized access from an

anonymous source. For the respondent to be completely aware, they should be

knowledgeable of who can only access the information they provided. Therefore, if only

appropriate, researchers and the research adviser would have access to the data.

Vulnerability of Research Participants. In terms of vulnerability, the researchers

took into account the respondents' age, physical and mental safety. All participants are over

the age of 18 and thereby possess the legal capacity to give their personal consent to

participate in the study. In addition, all of the participants are fishermen from Brgy. Mayo

whose sole source of income is fishing. While the Covid-19 pandemic is not prevalently

occurring as of the moment, the researchers did not exclude the possibility that the

participants could become physically vulnerable due to Covid-19 virus exposure; thus, all

in-depth interviews were conducted in full conformity with the protocols in order to

ensure the safety and health of the fishermen.

Impartiality. The researchers ascertained that all participants were eligible and

suitable in this study The assigned researchers also treated the participants with equal

respect and importance in all communications with them - before, during, and after the

interview. Furthermore, the researchers made certain to commit to the substantiated guide

questions throughout the interview and avoided veering off topic or expressing personal

opinions in order to avoid influencing the participants' ideas and perceptions with

subjectivity. Thus, impartiality is utilized, and equal treatment and fairness are evident in

dealing with and understanding the research participants.

 Transparency and Integrity. In terms of transparency and integrity, the

researchers made every effort to be transparent, discrete, and honest when disclosing

aspects of the study that could have an impact on the participants' liberty, wellbeing, and

security during the course of the study. To ensure transparency, all necessary information

has been disclosed and explained to participants, and all research-related communication

was done truthfully. Furthermore, all necessary documents supporting data analysis were

included, and the researchers solemnly swear that no results or findings were neglected

and omitted to ensure transparency.

Role of the Researchers. The researchers have an obligation of collecting and

conducting the research study. Aside from this, they are also responsible in genuine,

unbiased, and scientifically supported results must that will be published and when

planning and conducting investigations, presenting results, and making recommendations,

the researchers must take the ethical considerations into account in order to promote

transparency, integrity, and impartiality to the study.

Adequacy of Facilities. The researchers guaranteed that the facilities required for

the study were available and accessible. Access to the library and internet facilities were

ensured in order to deepen the comprehension, analyzation, and interpretation of the

findings gathered and for further readings and citations. The video recordings, cameras,

laptops, printers, and software applications for data storage and security were also

activated. Finally, the researchers identified a group of experts who provided valuable

suggestions and feedback to aid in conducting the study and articulating the research

results.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Lived Experiences

1. How long have you been fishing?

2. How does the problem you've encountered affected your daily life in fishing?

3. What motivates you to work?

4. How do you deal with tight situations?

Coping Mechanisms

1. In terms of their sufferings, how does one cope with every situation?

2. How can you find peace or reduce tension whenever you face such problems?

3.What are your ways of relieving stress every time?

Life Lessons
1. What steps can you take to be sure the government can meet all of your financial needs?

2. How did the government assured you and proved to meet your needs?

3. How can you find peace or reduce tension whenever you face such problems?

4. Describe the time you had to make a difficult choice as a fisherman.

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