Fishermen’s wives participate in conservation
By Rianne C. Tecson
Cebu Daily News - Philippines, July 14, 2003
CEBU - If it were not for the need to conserve and manage their coastal resources, the men and women of Sitio Bangag, Barangay Saavedra in Moalboal town would have gone about their usual lives: the men fish while the women tend to the house and children.
Now, fisherfolk take turns protecting an 8.13-hectare marine sanctuary where corals and fish abound.
The men who fish for a living said the sanctuary has increased their fish catch. The women, on the other hand, earn by catering to visitors who are eager to learn how the people protected the sanctuary for 17 years.
The marine sanctuary was established under the Central Visayas Regional Project in 1986.
Merlita Abrenica, secretary of the Saavedra Fisherfolk Association, said that from July to September 2002 the group earned P18,775 in user’s fees imposed on divers and snorkelers.
While the men are at sea, women members of the association remove crown of thorns starfish from corals inside the sanctuary. The women also take turns in stationing themselves at the guardhouse to monitor the sanctuary’s premises.
By Rianne C. Tecson
Cebu Daily News - Philippines, July 14, 2003
CEBU - If it were not for the need to conserve and manage their coastal resources, the men and women of Sitio Bangag, Barangay Saavedra in Moalboal town would have gone about their usual lives: the men fish while the women tend to the house and children.
Now, fisherfolk take turns protecting an 8.13-hectare marine sanctuary where corals and fish abound.
The men who fish for a living said the sanctuary has increased their fish catch. The women, on the other hand, earn by catering to visitors who are eager to learn how the people protected the sanctuary for 17 years.
The marine sanctuary was established under the Central Visayas Regional Project in 1986.
Merlita Abrenica, secretary of the Saavedra Fisherfolk Association, said that from July to September 2002 the group earned P18,775 in user’s fees imposed on divers and snorkelers.
While the men are at sea, women members of the association remove crown of thorns starfish from corals inside the sanctuary. The women also take turns in stationing themselves at the guardhouse to monitor the sanctuary’s premises.
