International Journal of Environmental Research University of Tehran ISSN: 1735-6865 EISSN: 2008-2304 Vol. 4, Num. 3, 2010, pp. 479-490

International Journal of Environmental Research, Vol. 4, No. 3, July-September, 2010, pp. 479-490

Article

The socio-economic contributions of marine protected areas to the fisherfolk of Lingayen Gulf, Northwestern Philippines

Vicente, J. A. ^1&2* and Cerezo, R . B. ³

¹ Center for Environment and Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261 Kingdom Saudi Arabia
² Pangasinan State University Graduate School, McArthur Highway, San Vicente, Urdaneta City 2428 Pangasinan, Philippines
³ Pangasinan State University Binmaley Campus, San Isidro Norte, Binmaley 2417 Pangasinan, Philippines

Correspondence Address: *Center for Environment and Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261 Kingdom Saudi Arabia; Pangasinan State University Graduate School, McArthur Highway, San Vicente, Urdaneta City 2428 Pangasinan, Philippines
jvicente@kfupm.edu.sa

Date of Submission: 20-Mar-2009
Date of Decision: 15-Mar-2010
Date of Acceptance: 27-Mar-2010

Code Number: er10053

Abstract

Keywords: Marine protected areas, Socio-economic, Fisherfolk, Lingayen Gulf, Conservation, Fish sanctuary, Coastal management

Introduction

The Philippines has a diverse coastal environment with the variety of ecosystems ranging from sandy beaches, coral reefs, rocky headlands, mangroves, wet-lands, estuaries, lagoons and sea grasses that are ex-tremely rich in biodiversity and productivity (Huttche et al., 2002). It gives refuge to forty (40) species of man-groves (Primavera, 2000), sixteen (16) species of sea grass (Fortes and Santos, 2004), four hundred sixty-four (464) species of corals (Licuanan and Capili, 2004) and 915 reef fish species (Burke et al., 2002). Thus the country is regarded as the epicenter of biodiversity and evolution where the highest concentration of species per unit area was observed (Carpenter and Springer, 2005).

However, its diverse coastal waters are continuously threatened by degradation of the marine ecosystem. Ecological stress brought about by degrading human activities like overfishing and use of illegal fishing cause damage to corals and other marine life. Aside from these, mismanagement was stimulated by misguiding economic policies and faulty institutions (McNeely, 1980). The continuing capture and collection of many animals; biological surveys and inventories; ineffective and inefficient enforcement of numerous conservation laws; inadequate ways and means of developing conservation-consciousness by the average Filipino; and the undesirable greed of lawmakers and implementers add to the precarious status of nature (Rabor, 1979). Other threats include siltation, sedimentation from run offs, pollution from domestic wastes and proliferation of fish pens and fish cages, increasing population and tourism activities (Deocadez and Alino, 2005). In 2000, Wilkinson reported that the reefs that remain in excellent condition in the Philippines are only 1.9% in the 1990s, Anthropogenic activities further reduce the ability of the reef to recover from natural pressures like the typhoons and diseases. The effect is manifested by a low fish catch and loss in biodiversity that is currently experienced by the marginal fisherfolk. Though there were numerous attempts to stop, if not, delay the declining global environmental condition, past management approaches were not successful due to ineffective laws, limited resources and inability of the government to implement all projects thus people were forced to seek new solutions to the problems (Alcala, 2001). In coastal areas, fisherfolk associations established permanent areas that were closed to fishing to ensure sustainable use of resources. They call these marine protected areas (MPAs).

Marine protected areas are geographically defined space in coastal or ocean waters, together with its overlying waters and associated fauna, flora, historical and cultural features which have been reserved by legislation to protect part or the entire enclosed environment (IUCN, 1994; Keheller, 1999). They are areas of marine environment, ranging from small to large, highly protected from various forms of human or extractive exploitation, especially fishing (Alcala, 2001; Baker, 2000). Others are designed as multiple-use areas that are often zoned to provide different levels of protection, and permit various activities and resource usage (Baker, 2000). They can either be fish sanctuaries, reserves, parks, or protected seascapes (Licuanan and Gomez, 2000).

According to Kenchington et al. (2003), there are plenty of benefits for fisheries, local economies and the ma-rine environment that can be gained in establishing a marine protected area ranging from conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, arrests and possibly re-verses the global and local decline of fish populations and productivity by protecting critical breeding, nurs-ery and feeding habits. It also raises the profile of the area for marine tourism and broadens local economic options. Moreover, it offers opportunities for educa-tion, training, heritage and culture. Likewise, it serves as sites for reference in long-term research. Along with ecological conservation and protection, economic and social benefits can be gained from its establishment (Fauzi and Buchary, 2002) .

The human element is very important for the ma-rine protected areas to succeed (Lemos, 1998; Agardy, 2000; Elliot et al., 2001; White and Green, 2003). There is a link between the natural resource and socioeco-nomic systems because the latter impose pressure on natural resources through various extraction and con-tamination processes (Ablan et al., 2004). In effect, understanding the socioeconomics of individuals, households, groups, communities and organizations that are involved and affected by the MPAs is vital for assessing, predicting and managing MPAs (Pomeroy et al., 2004).

Based on the above scenario, the establishment of marine protected areas in Lingayen Gulf is expected to yield, not just ecological benefits, but also on social and economic life of the fisherfolk, thus, this research study aimed to determine the socio-economic contri-butions of marine protected areas to the fisherfolk in Lingayen Gulf. Specifically, it was carried out to an-swer the following questions: (1) what is the socio-demographic profile of the fisherfolk organization mem-bers in terms of the age, sex, civil status, educational attainment, number of children, monthly income and occupation; (2) what is the extent of participation of the fisherfolk organization members who manage the marine protected areas in Lingayen Gulf in terms of management in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and in linkaging/networking with other agencies; and (3) what are the contributions of marine protected areas in Lingayen Gulf to the fisherfolk or-ganization members in terms of social i.e. education, health and recreation, economic and political. The study also tested the following null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance: (1) there is no significant relationship between the socio-demographic profile and the extent of participation of fisherfolk organization members in managing the marine protected areas of Lingayen Gulf; (2) there is no significant relationship between the ex-tent of participation of fisherfolk organization mem-bers and the socio-economic contributions of the ma-rine protected areas in Lingayen Gulf and (3) there is no significant relationship between the socio-demo-graphic profile of the fisherfolk organization members and the socio-economic contributions of marine pro-tected areas in Lingayen Gulf.

Materials and Methods

Lingayen Gulf is located off the coast of Pangasinan and La Union provinces in northwestern Luzon island of the Philippines It is a semi-circular bay opening directly into the South China Sea. It is bounded in the west by Cape Bolinao and by Poro Point in the eastern part. The coastal area includes 16 coastal mu-nicipalities, three cities, and five inland municipalities. The coastline measures approximately 160 km. In 1993, Lingayen Gulf was officially declared as an Environ-mentally Critical Area through Proclamation No. 156. There are fourteen (14) marine protected areas estab-lished in the Gulf that cover more than eleven thou-sand (11,000) hectares of no take-zone most of which are located on the western side (Bolinao to Sual) where most of the gulf's coral reefs, sea grass beds, man-grove swamps and algal flats can be found. However, only nine (9) marine protected areas has existing man-agement body and the protection and maintenance of biological diversity therein is strictly imposed accord-ing to the prepared management plan [Figure - 1]. Only those coral reef MPAs that were enforced and estab-lished more than five years ago were selected as sub-ject of the study. MPA established in "paper only" or non-functional were not included. As a result, only seven (7) MPAs from six (6) barangays of Bolinao and Anda, Pangasinan were chosen based on the given criteria as follows: Arnedo Fish Sanctuary, Balingasay Fish Sanctuary, Cabungan Marine Reserve, Caniogan Fish Sanctuary, Carot Marine Reserve, Magsaysay Fish Sanctuary and Victory Fish Sanctuary. This research was conducted using the descriptive survey method of research. Stakeholders of the established marine protected areas were surveyed and information was obtained through data gathering and recording through the use of pre-tested questionnaires. The questionnaire used the five-point Likert scaling sys-tem to determine the degree of responses to the ques-tions in the study. Personal interviews were also con-ducted with the respondents to verify their answers in the questionnaires.

Samples were chosen randomly among the respon-dents of the study. A stratified random probability sam-pling method was used to give equal chance to all members of the population to become a respondent. Out of 306 members of the management body, 175 indi-viduals were chosen as respondents. The data gath-ered were analyzed and interpreted using different sta-tistical tools. Frequency distributions and percentage measurements were used to obtain data for qualitative analysis and interpretation. Aside from this, selected variables were qualitatively assessed using the nu-merical assignment given to each item in the question-naire and the average weight point numerical value was computed. The results were analyzed and inter-preted using the Statistica Version 5.0 statistical analy-sis software package. The hypotheses of the study were analyzed using Point Biserial Correlation for the relationship with dichotomous variable sex and Eta ² Coefficient or Correlation Ratio for the relationship with nominal variables such as civil status, educational at-tainment, and occupation. Relationships among the rest of interval variables were tested using the Pearson "r" Product-Moment of Correlation. The correlation was tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study was con-ducted from October 2006 to March 2007.

Results and Discussion

Socio-demographic data [Table - 1] reveals that mem-bers of the fisherfolk are mostly married (76.6%) males (73.1%) ages from 30-50 (44.6%) with 0-1 child (28.6%). Most of them (82.8%) finished either elementary (37.1%) or high school (45.7%) only. Almost one-fifth (18.2%) of the respondents finished either a vocational course (9.1%) or a bachelor's degree (9.1%). No fisherfolk pursued any graduate studies.

A great majority (91.4%) of the respondents earns 5,000 pesos and below. The rest earn 5,001-7,500 pesos (5.1%), 7,501-10,000 pesos (1.7%), and 10,001 pesos and above (1.7%). Almost one-half (51.4%) of the respondents rely on fishing (47.43%) as a source of livelihood. The others are farmers (6.4%), trades workers (3.4%), laborers (2.9%), government workers (2.3%), technicians (2.3%), professionals (1.7%), and retired (1.1%). One-third (30.3%) of the respondents had no work. Community participation is important and needed in resource and environmental management, particularly in MPA planning and management (Elliot et al., 2001). It is not a universal remedy but necessary to conserve resources.It also depends on representativeness, timing of involvement, public understanding of issues, interaction among stakeholders and transparency in decision-making (Yao, 2006).

In the case of MPAs on Lingayen Gulf, the fisherfolk participated on a "Moderate" level with mean rating of 3.21 on planning [Table - 2]. This is probably due to the fact that officers and committee heads did most of the planning activities in the organization. Most members are also not equipped with the technical skills and experience as a manifestation of low educational attainment. As a consequence, guidance and help of other non-government organizations and the academe is sought for capacity building and research by the officers. Participation of the fisherfolk is focused mainly in the implementation stage [Table - 2]. This is indicated by the "High" ratings in most of the items in this category with the average mean of 3.51. This result is expected since the established MPAs were all community initiated thus, management and implementation are mostly done by the fisherfolk organization members. Also, they were involved during the early stage of conceptualization and creation of MPAs in their area. Aside from this, their approval was sought through public hearing. More importantly, decision-making is made through democratic consultation and organizational activities are implemented through "volunteerism" of members.

Monitoring is a critical part of any MPA enforcement program because it involves people, there are equipments needed and certain degree of illegal activities are anticipated as a response to regulatory framework that is established (Pomeroy, Parks and Watson, 2004). In this study, "High" participation at this stage [Table - 2] is a consequence of high attendance in meetings and high degree of involvement of members in resolving conflicts and problems on fish sanctuary. The computed average mean is 3.41. The enthusiasm of the leaders keeps the group intact and strives to accomplish their objectives. Aside from this, the convincing ability of the officials to persuade the group on the benefits of the MPA plays an important role. This is done thru home visits and frequent meetings to update the members on organizational activities. Through this, key players in the group can give feedback on organizational matters.

Evaluation is critical to determine whether the plans and activities worked well. In this study, a 3.22 mean rating reveals a "Moderate" participation of organization members at this stage of MPA management. This is possibly due to low confidence and self-esteem resulting from inadequacy of technical know-how on resource assessment, analysis of results and technical writing.

In summary, the over-all extent of participation demonstrates that the members of the fisherfolk organization who manage the marine protected areas in Lingayen Gulf is described as "Moderate" as manifested by a mean of 3.33 rating despite the "High" ratings in the implementation and monitoring aspects. The presence of NGOs and other organizations in the community helps improve the lives of the coastal villagers. They are instrumental in the establishment of MPAs in the area. Aside from this, they provide trainings on resource management, capacity building and livelihood. With this, a strong linkage is necessary for the management of MPA to succeed. In Lingayen Gulf, local government units play an important role in providing the legislative framework on the marine sanctuary and by providing funds for the enforcement. NGOs such as the UPMSI Sagip Lingayen Gulf Project, Haribon Foundation, Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) Learning Center and the University of the Philippines Social Action and Research for Development Foundation, Inc. (UPSARDF) initiated community organizing, helped in research and data management, provided trainings and technical assistance, and enhanced the organizational skills of local community. Other agencies which collaborated are the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Lingayen Gulf Coastal Area Management Commission (LGCAMC), Bolinao Marine Ecological Fund Foundation, Inc. (BOMEFFI), Tanggol Kalikasan (TK), United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The strong linkage with other agencies is illustrated in the "High" mean rating of 3.86 in the extent of participation in linkaging/networking [Table - 2] of the fisherfolk organization members with other agencies. The data further reveal that respondents have high regard that the presence of NGOs and other organizations in the community helps improve their lives. They create alliances with them thus community projects are easily implemented. As a group of organization, "needs assessment" workshop is conducted to determine the appropriate training/ technology for the community. They also pool their resources thru counter-parting thus project objectives are easily achieved. Further, lessons-learned from their area is being shared to other organizations. The socio-economic contributions of marine protected areas to the fisherfolk organization members under consideration are categorized as social, economic and political [Table - 3].

The contribution of MPAs on education is "High" as reflected by the mean rating of 3.72. This only suggests that environmental awareness among the coastal barangays of Anda and Bolinao is high even though most of the respondents did not reach tertiary education. On the contrary, it is not apparent in the courses of their children taken in college. More often, courses that were taken are not environmental management related, instead those that can give them assurance that their children will land in a good job after graduation.

The quality of human health is not just an indicator of the general nutrition of the people in the community but also their quality of life and relative wealth (Pomeroy et al., 2004). In this study, members of the fisherfolk organization members who manage the MPAs tend to show a "High" health condition as indicated by a mean rating of 3.46. Despite the results of the study of Silvestre and Hilomen (2004) that fish catch in Lingayen Gulf significantly decline every year, most of the respondents believed that the presence of MPA in the area improved the available sea foods that are caught for public consumption. As a result, their nutritional needs were attained. Even though, it is evident in the community that few health-related facilities/establishments constructed since the MPA was established, stakeholders believed that awareness is increased and resulted to the improvement of hygiene and health practices.

The "High" contribution of MPAs in health is apparent in the high number of households that have a sanitized comfort room (toilet with water-sealed flush), cleaner source of water (deep well), and secured food storage (cabinet) [Table - 4]. However, there are still some practices that are applied by small number of individuals in the community which are harmful to themselves or the community such as self medication (7.4%), bringing their patients to quack doctors (39.4%), burning of garbage (66.3%), and defecating in any places (1.7%). These practices imply that basic social services of the government didn't reach at the grassroots level.

On recreation, data reveal a mean rating of 3.23 which implies a "Moderate" rating. Perhaps due to poverty, fisherfolk in the coastal area of Lingayen Gulf tend to spend more time for work and less time for recreation. This is manifested in the low number of hours spent for leisure and most of them only stay at home and watch television during their free time [Table - 5]. Recreational activities such as ball games, drinking liquor with friends and videoke are also well known in the coastal community. In contrast, it is also interesting to note that there are few citizens who perform nature-oriented leisure activity such as snorkeling (2.3%) and bird watching (4.6%). They can shell-out an amount ranging from 30 pesos to 3,000 pesos to relax and unwind during their free time.

As a manifestation of low economic profile, fisherfolk have few resources to consume for recreation. They believe that they still need to spend some or more amount of time to fish as they're doing before even catch per unit effort in fishing is lessened and significant increase in fish catch is observed for the reason of food and job security. They were forced to maximize all available time to earn extra penny for the future of the family. These results verify the findings of several experts that low levels of leisure time physical activity is associated with low income (Johansson et al., 1988; Steenland, 2000), and low education (Yusuf et al., 1996; Sttenland, 2000; Lindstrom et al., 2003). In contrast, Kahan et al. (2005) revealed in their study on correlations of work, leisure, and sports physical activities and health status with socioeconomic factors that the higher the income, the greater the tendency to perform less physical activity at work and more at sports.In summary, the over-all social contribution of marine protected areas is described as "High" as manifested by 3.47 mean rating.

The economic contributions of MPAs to the fishefolk organization members of Lingayen Gulf imply a "Moderate" contribution as indicated by the mean rating of 3.18. Despite this, improvement in the economic status of the fisherfolk is not clearly seen in income [Table - 6]. A great majority (91.4%) of the respondents had a family income ranging from 0-5,000 pesos a month. However, a greater proportion of the population owned (76.0%) a concrete (61.7%) house which is connected to PANELCO as a source of their electricity. Common household furnishing includes television, radio, wall clock, electric fan, LPG gas stove, electric iron, DVD/VCD player, refrigerator, washing machine and karaoke. Though fishefolk invest on the make-up of their house and its amenities, and spite the fact that there are four out of six barangays covered as sampling area are in coastal area, motor vehicles were their least priority. This is shown by the following data: 45.7% do not have a vehicle, 40.0% owned a bicycle, 17.7% owned a motorcycle, tricycle or kuliglig, and only 8% owned a jeep. None owned a car or truck. Economic improvement is not yet evident among the fisherfolk organization members. This is clearly seen in the occupational structure of the community where diversification is very low. To be exact, extraction of natural resources in the coastal community is the most common source of livelihood. This can be attributed to the low educational attainment of the most inhabit-ants in the coastal area. Until now, it is still argued if economic benefits will follow after establishment of MPA (Sumaila et al., 2000). On the contrary, Alder, Zeller and Pitcher (2002) emphasized that there are economic gains that can be derived from the establishment of MPA which ultimately could be transformed into so-cial benefits. Upon the establishment of MPA, liveli-hood development or production, marketing and trad-ing activities is undertaken to increase the community's level of food production, generate income which will enhance their economic and social life, decrease fish-ing pressure and promote sustainable forms of coastal resource use (Mcmanus, 1999).

For several years, livelihood development is al-ways a part of the coastal resource management ac-tivities in Lingayen Gulf. Unfortunately, most of the previous alternative livelihood for the community was unsuccessful due to inadequate management and business skills, small available capital and the market for trading and material sourcing is far (Mcmanus, 1999). As a result very few uses alternative livelihood for fishing.

The political contribution of marine protected areas to the fisherfolk organization members is "High", having a mean rating of 3.52. This implies that fisherfolk have a high regard that resource conflict within the community and nearby vicinities is lessened, number of violators in MPA rules is reduced, number of ordinances related to coastal resource management passed increased and political ties or link of the organization with the LGU and other organization is strong. Aside from these, most of them believe that joining an organization improves leadership ability, boost confidence and increase sociability. On the contrary, more than three-fourths of the population (79.4%) has only one organization [Table - 7]. The first null hypothesis tested in the study which states that "There is no significant relationship between the socio-demographic profile and the extent of participation of fisherfolk organization members MPAs in Lingayen Gulf."Data reveal that the socio-demographic profile, namely, their age, sex, civil status, educational attainment, monthly income and occupation are not significantly correlated with the extent of participation in management of MPAs and in linkaging with other agencies of fisherfolk organization members in Lingayen Gulf [Table - 8] and [Table - 9]. On the other hand, the socio-demographic profile number of children is found to be significantly correlated with the extent of participation in management at 0.05 level of significance but not with linkaging/networking with other agencies. This implies that the number of children is a good predictor of participation of fisherfolk organization members in management of MPAs in Lingayen Gulf. The relationship between participation in management and number of children indicate a negative correla-tion. This relationship is significant at 0.05 correlation level as indicated by the r-value of -0.17. This value of -0.17 implies that participation of members is depen-dent of their number of children. A negative correla-tion implies that as the number of children increases, their participation decreases. This is explained by the observation that indeed a bigger family size requires more time to look for the needs of its members thus extra time for other activities such as managing the protected area where people are voluntarily working is scarce. Such participation of MPA organization mem-bers is evident on the implementation aspect where information and education campaign, and patrolling and implementation of alternative livelihood.

The participation in management and in linkaging/networking with other agencies are corre-lated with the socio-economic contributions of MPAs in Lingayen Gulf as indicated by the computed "r"s which are all found to be significant at 0.05 level [Table - 10]. This suggests that the null hypothesis that says that "there is no significant relationship between the extent of participation of fisherfolk organization mem-bers and the socio-economic contributions of the ma-rine protected areas in Lingayen Gulf" is rejected. This implies that the more the MPA organization members participate in management and linkages, the more socio-economic gains are derived by them.

An active participation by members in the man-agement of MPA resulted to a high contribution in their social life. This finding is confirmed in the follow-ing studies that through out the process of the estab-lishing the marine protected area, environmental con-sciousness of the people is enhanced, deepening the understanding of the natural environment (Mcmanus, 1999) and its value (Crawford et al., 2000). MPAs in Bolinao and Anda, through time became site for field trips and as model for neighboring communities. Simultaneously, capability and strength of the people's organization is reinforced. These enhanced social and economic conditions of fisherfolk organization mem-bers are attributed to their high level of participation in the management of MPA. Moreover, MPAs also serve as a site for nature-based recreation (Mehlgarten, 2002; Pomeroy et al., 2004; Baker, 2000). Together with tour-ism as a non-consumptive activity, people in the MPA gain economically (Sumaila et al., 2000).

The significant correlation between political as-pect and the extent of participation of fisherfolk orga-nization members can be explained by the observation that organizations enhance the awareness of individual members to certain issues relating to everyday life. In the same way, Bunce and Pomeroy (2003) emphasized that community and stakeholder organizations are means for representing resource users and stakehold-ers in coastal resource management and for influenc-ing the direction of decision-making and management. Moreover, self-governance, self-esteem and commu-nity empowerment is enhanced as evidenced by per-ceptions of the people that they have greater control over the adjacent coral reef and fisheries resources of their community (Crawford et al., 2000).

The null hypothesis stated as, "There is no sig-nificant relationship between the socio-demographic profile of the fisherfolk organization members and the socio-economic contributions of marine protected ar-eas in Lingayen Gulf" is also tested in the study. Data reveal that the socio-demographic profile, namely: age, sex, civil status, educational attainment, number of children, monthly income and occupation are not sig-nificantly correlated with the socio-economic contri-butions of marine protected areas in Lingayen Gulf at 0.05 level of significance [Table - 11] and [Table - 12]. This implies that the stated socio-demographic profiles are not good predictors of socio-economic contributions of marine protected areas in Lingayen Gulf. Conse-quently, the socio-economic contributions of marine protected areas to the fisherfolk organization members who manage the MPAs in Lingayen Gulf vary regard-less of age, sex, civil status, educational attainment, number of children, monthly income and occupation.

Conclusion

The following conclusions were drawn based on the analysis and interpretation of the findings of the study.

1. Members of the fisherfolk organization in Lingayen Gulf is dominated by married males, 30-50 years old, high school graduate, with 0-1 child, earns less than 5,000 pesos a month, and rely on fishing as a major source of livelihood.
2. The extent of participation of fisherfolk organization members in the management of marine protected areas is found to be "Moderate". Conversely, there is a "High" level of linkaging/networking with other agencies.
3. Marine protected areas in Lingayen Gulf contributed "High" on the social, "Moderate" on economic and "High" level on the political aspects of life of members of fisherfolk organization.
4. Participation in management of members of fisherfolk in management is significantly correlated negatively with number of children, but not with age, sex, civil status, educational attainment, monthly income and occupation. Participation in linkaging/networking with other agencies is also not correlated with the any socio-economic profile. This means that fisherfolk organization members with more children participated less, and those with less number of children participated more in the management of MPAs.
5. Participation of members of fisherfolk organization in management increased and their relationship with other agencies intensified. Social, economic and political contributions of MPAs to their lives are also enhanced.
6. Socio-economic contributions of MPA are not dependent on age, sex, civil status, educational attainment, number of children, monthly income and occupation of the fisherfolk organization members

Acknowledgements

The researcher wishes to express his sincerest thanks and heartfelt gratitude to the fisherfolk of Anda and Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines whose effort is insurmountable in protecting the remaining resources of Lingayen Gulf. Without them, this study would not be possible. To the ever enthusiastic members of the fisherfolk organization in the coastal villagers of barangays Arnedo, Balingasay, Victory in Bolinao and barangays Tondol, Carot, Cabungan in Anda. To Brgy. Secretary Cesar Junsan, President of SAPA and in-cumbent Chairman of KAISAKA; Mr. Jesem Gabatin, President of SAMMABAL and former Chairman of the KAISAKA; Brgy. Secretary Artemio Caasi, President of SMMV; Ms. Annabel Echavez, Secretary of SAMMABAL; Mr. Leopoldo Andaher, President of SAMUSETO; Kgwd. Ronnie Carranza, President of SAMACA; Mr. Floresco Cajigas, former President of SAMUSECA; for their invaluable assistance in the data collection;To the fisherfolk of San Salvador Marine Sanctuary, Masinloc, Zambales, Philippines where the pre-testing of the questionnaire was conducted and to Ms. Emerlinda Celeste-Dizon, Demonstration Site Man-ager of UNEP-GEF South China Sea Project, Coral Dem-onstration Site, Masinloc, Zambales, for her assistance in the facilitation of pre-testing the questionnaire. The researcher is also indebted to Dr. Sotero M. Aban, Dr. Eusebio F. Miclat Jr., Dr. Josefina B. Bitonio and Mr. Meliton Dasun for their enriching and scholarly com-ments and suggestions. To Bob, who keeps him com-pany in his long and tiring but fruitful journey in the coastal villages of Anda and Bolinao; for keeping him sane, safe and never failing him in crossing roads that are less traveled; and finally, sincerest thanks to Pro-fessor Joana Yasol-Vicente and Gigas Vicente for their insights and support in this study.^[36]

References

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