San Pablo,

Zamboanga del Sur

Ensuring Success throughActive Women Participation

in CRM & EnterpriseDevelopment

Ensuring Success through Active Women Participation in CRM & Enterprise Development Copyright © 2005 Philippines-Canada Local Government Support Program (LGSP) The Philippines-Canada Local Government Support Program encourages the use, translation, adaptation and copying of this material for non-commercial use, with appropriate credit given to LGSP. Although reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of this book, neither the publisher and/or contributor and/or editor can accept any liability for any consequence arising from the use thereof or from any information contained herein. Printed and bound in Manila, Philippines Published by: Philippines-Canada Local Government Support Program Unit 1507 Jollibee Plaza Emerald Ave., Pasig City 1600 Philippines Tel. Nos. (632) 637-3511 to 13 www.lgsp.org.ph This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Ensuring Success through Active Women Participation in CRM & Enterprise Development SAN PABLO, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR

Philippines-Canada Local Government Support Program (LGSP) Documentation of Replicable Exemplary Practices

Replicable Practice

ENSURING SUCCESS THROUGH ACTIVE WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN CRM & ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

SAN PABLO, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR

(4TH CLASS MUNICIPALITY)

CONTENTS

Summary

2

Project Description: Protecting marine resources and uplifting living conditions.

2

Project History: Networking for CRM

4

Results: Alternative livelihood, empowerment and sustainable practices

4

Key Implementation Steps 6

Analysis and Lessons Learned

12

Annexes:

Annex A – Illana Bay CRM Ordinances Annex B – Relief Map of San Pablo

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1

SUMMARY

The Community-based Coastal Resource Management and Enterprise Development (CBCRM-EDP) Project in San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur is a multistakeholders coastal resource rehabilitation, conservation and management project undertaken by two coastal communities facing marine resource depletion and poverty. The project aimed to (a) develop the capabilities of two fishing communities as economic enterprise and coastal resource managers, (b) increase family incomes and (c) achieve ecological balance in two coastal barangays. The San Pablo CBCRM-EDP included several components like organizational strengthening, gender sensitivity training, establishment of mangroves and fish sanctuaries and the development of alternative enterprises particularly seaweed production for its women participants. Launched in March 5, 2002, CBCRM-EDP was implemented by local fisherfolk associations of Barangays Bubual and Ticala Islands, particularly its women members and the wives of its male members, with assistance from the Alternative Technology for Resource Enhancement (ATRE) Co., a nongovernment organization specializing in CBCRM in Zamboanga del Sur. ATRE Co. worked in close coordination with the local government officials of San Pablo, the Office of the Vice Governor, Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and the Philippines-Canada Local Government Support Program (LGSP). In over a year, the project was able to enhance local stakeholders’ commitment in environmental and marine resources protection and conservation as well as in managing their economic enterprises. As the project increased incomes and promoted environmental protection, it also empowered fisherfolk communities, at the same time mobilizing women to become active participants for sustainable development. Project Description: Protecting marine resources and uplifting living conditions Barangays Bubual and Ticala Island are two impoverished fishing locales along the coast of Illana Bay. They are two of the eight coastal communities in the fourth class municipality of San Pablo located in the province of Zamboanga del Sur. For a long time, these barangays enjoyed the bounty of the seas, with marine resources sufficiently meeting the demands of its residents.

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However, in the late 90s, coastal fish catch and marine resources reportedly started falling short of local demand. This was attributed to the depletion of marine species due to overfishing, other exploitative and illegal practices, the lack of livelihood alternatives and low environmental management consciousness among residents.

Basic Profile: San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur

Location: Facing the Illana Bay from the

South Eastern part of Pagadian City and under the second Congressional District of Zamboanga del Sur

Land Area: 14,990 ha. (DENR), 10,139 ha. (Land Resource Evaluation Survey)

Population: 23,450 (2000 NSO Census), 24,792 (projected 2005)

Pop. growth: 26% Ave. HH size: 5 Income class: 4th IRA: PhP26.4M Local Revenues: Php 1.2 M No. of barangays: 28 Land use: Commercial: 2.0199 ha.;

Residential: 31.0325 ha.; Agricultural: 11,392.4773 ha.

Major industries/ economic activities:

Agriculture and Fishery, Rice and corn milling

Poverty Incidence: 43.3% (Province-2000 data)

Major problems in the area: Poverty due to unemployment/under employment, Poor road construction

To address these problems, the San Pablo local government undertook its first coastal resource management (CRM) intervention in 1999. At that time, it was a member of the Illana Bay Regional Alliance (IBRA 9), an organization of LGUs committed to developing and preserving marine resources of Illana Bay. It mobilized 18 Bantay Dagat members to protect marine resources using LGU-owned patrol boats and declared three fish sanctuaries and one marine protected area. (See Annex A for Illana Bay CRM Ordinances)

Given prevalent poverty and lack of alternative sources of income in these communities, these efforts, however, were very limited and did not deter fishing communities from engaging in illegal fishing activities even within fish sanctuaries.

Project objectives

In 2002, in order to improve living conditions of fishing families and promote environmental consciousness, the Community-based Coastal Resource Management and Enterprise Development (CBCRM-EDP) Project (CBCRM-EDP) was initiated in Ticala Island and Bubual coastal barangays of San Pablo with the following objectives:

Attain ecological balance in the area Uplift the socio-economic condition of fisherfolks by developing their

capacities to become coastal resource and enterprise managers Involve women in the development process

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Project History: Networking for CRM Earlier in 2001, the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur released PhP 35,000 to fund a seaweed production project for 50 women which succeeded and continues until today. However, this initial attempt did little to sustain coastal resource management efforts in the area. In early 2002, the municipal government of San Pablo partnered with a local nongovernment organization, the Alternative Technology for Resource Enhancement (ATRE), Co. in order to generate funding for a CBCRM-EDP for two barangays along Illana Bay. ATRE, Co. in partnership with the San Pablo LGU, was able to get funding from Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and Philippines-Canada Local Government Support Program (LGSP). CBCRM-EDP has since been implemented from March 2002 to March 2003 in the two barangays together with other barangays along Illana Bay Results: Alternative livelihood, empowerment and sustainable practices After one year of operation, several gains were reported by the project, including: Bolstered coastal resource management efforts

The series of workshops and trainings on coastal resource management raised the environmental awareness of members of the communities and enabled them to contribute to coastal resource management. Through the project, the Bantay Dagat, which was created in 1999, was reactivated, and activities were undertaken to protect 3 fish sanctuaries and a marine protected area. Participants were mobilized to undertake mangrove rehabilitation. What was previously a mismanaged Marine Sanctuary was finally supported by fishing associations and policed by their Bantay Dagat.

Empowered women participants

Women constituted about half of the direct project participants. At the same time, majority of male participants had wives who were also involved in the CBCRM-EDP activities as well as the seaweed enterprise. Women members of community association were actively involved in each step of project implementation. Women’s involvement was particularly evident in project

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monitoring of seaweed growth and marketing status at the household level, savings build-up, loan payment and seaweed trading, bookkeeping and accounting as well as membership expansion at the FA levels. Women also served as Bantay Dagat members and contributed significantly to the strengthening of fishing associations by helping manage the projects. Improved environmental conditions

The ecosystems in Barangays Bubual and Ticala improved because of the rehabilitation of mangroves, fewer disturbances in fish sanctuaries and fewer illegal fishers coming from other areas. The said intervention resulted to a gradual shift from continuous extraction of fishery resources to seaweeds culture/production. The success of the project generated encouraging testimonies. Ticala Barangay Captain Yasser Samal, for example, related decreased cases of dynamite fishing and fish poisoning. Improved conditions and incomes of fishing families and communities

The project also increased incomes at households and fishing organizations. As of February 2003, the buying price of dried seaweeds was at PhP27.50, while selling price was at PhP31.00. Members who have gotten into this venture have been able to increase their family income from PhP2,500 a month to PhP7,500. At the same time that members have expanded their seaweed production enterprises, a growing number of local residents are involving themselves in mangrove rehabilitation and CRM and anti-illegal fishing advocacy.

Improved capacity of fishing associations and barangay and municipal

government officials Ticala Island Fisherfolks Association and the Bubual Fisherfolks Association now have 71 regular members/families who are direct beneficiaries of seaweeds production project. These fishing associations have created their respective organizational structures; they have full-functioning leaders and working committees and supportive members. As testament to this, other fishers in the area have expressed their interest of becoming members of these fisherfolk organizations. Through the assistance of ATRE, fishing associations have enhanced their capacities in project development, resource accessing and project management. Meanwhile, the two barangay LGUs have also strengthened their capacities in undertaking CRM and enacting and enforcing CRM policies and ordinances. They have gained a better appreciation of the advantages of proper waste disposal and waste segregation as fisherfolks associations lobbied for the passage of an ordinance in support of an effective and efficient waste disposal system.

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Key Implementation Steps As shown by the San Pablo experience, the steps needed to successfully implement CBCRM-EDP include:

1. Mobilizing local stakeholders to support the CBCRM-EDP

ATRE, a non-government organization specializing in CBCRM which was tapped to assist in project implementation, first networked and coordinated with local stakeholders. ATRE conducted a series of networking and coordinating meetings to introduce the project separately to LGU staff and officials of San Pablo, the provincial government, and intended beneficiaries of the project.

The project was officially launched on March 5, 2002. In this event, ATRE provided a more detailed orientation on CBCRM-EDP for local stakeholders. This included an explanation of coastal resource management concepts as well as an overview of the project goals and strategies. After the launch, ATRE conducted a project Scoping and visioning workshop. The activity included representatives from the:

• Office of the Governor • Office of Vice Governor • LGSP – Region IX • Office of the Mayor • SB members particularly the Chairperson of the Committee on

Environment and Appropriation, • Municipal Agriculturist • Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator • DILG Officer • Selected Barangay Officials and • Fisherfolks Core Group members from the barangays of Ticala and

Bubual

These activities aimed to increase stakeholders’ appreciation and commitment for the project.

2. Assessing the environmental, economic situation and livelihood needs of the community

After the visioning and scoping workshop, ATRE conducted a Participatory Coastal Resource Appraisal workshop (PCRA) with barangay and municipal LGUs and the fisherfolk associations of Barangays Bubual and Ticala Island March 25-26, 2002. The communities were asked to make an assessment of marine resources in their barangays, which included identifying problems, issues, potentials and

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opportunities. The PCRA revealed that both barangays suffered from poverty and marine resource depletion brought about by illegal fishing and the lack of alternative income sources.

Immediately after the PCRA, a rapid organizational appraisal and training needs assessment (ROA & TNA) were conducted at the barangays level specifically with fisherfolks organizations evaluating their level of organization.

The following data were generated from the PCRA, ROA and TNA:

• Barangay profiles • Community Resource Maps (See Annex B for relief map of San Pablo) • Calendar Diagram • Trend Diagram • Transect Diagram • Historical Trend

These assessments revealed that these fisherfolk associations were no longer functioning due to lack of members’ interest, poor leadership, as well as lack of financial management and internal control systems. This data pointed to the need for re-organization and strengthening so that they could participate actively in CRM and enterprise development activities. These data were presented to local government officials and project stakeholders and became the basis for drafting the Barangay Coastal Resource Management (CRM) Plans for the two communities. The appraisal also identified seaweed production as a viable alternative source of income since a similar undertaking initiated a year before in the two barangays was successful.

3. Formulating a community-based CRM plan involving different stakeholders

Based on findings from these appraisals, the fishing associations in barangays Bubual and Ticala Island formulated their CRM plans. These plans detailed the interventions required to rehabilitate their mangrove areas, minimize illegal fishing, manage waste, develop fish sanctuaries and marine protected area and undertake alternative livelihood projects. The plans were later incorporated in the barangay and municipal development and investment plans.

4. Providing executive and legislative local government support for the project

In order for the community-led-project to succeed, the LGU of San Pablo had to take an active role in project implementation. The LGU endorsed the project and initiated a link up between fishing associations and ATRE. It provided ATRE with facilities including an office space, and gave ATRE direct access to the barangays

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so that it could freely provide technical assistance to the communities. At the barangay level, the project got legislative support through barangay ordinances on Anti-Illegal Fishing were issued by the barangay councils. Throughout the project, the active presence of the municipal and barangay governments contributed to the success of the CRM and enterprise development project.

5. Conducting intensive advocacy on CRM and anti-illegal fishing and enterprise

development

Before CRM and enterprise development activities were initiated in the two barangay, an intensive advocacy on CRM and enterprise development was undertaken by ATRE. ATRE conducted focused group discussions, consultation meetings and home visits to discuss topics like CRM and mangrove rehabilitation and enrichment, marine parks, reserves and sanctuaries as well as ecological waste management with fisherfolks. These advocacy activities resulted in project participants’ gaining a deeper appreciation of the ecological and economic importance of ecosystems (mangroves, sea-grasses, coral reefs) and the need for marine parks/reserves/sanctuaries. It also helped them gain a sense of what they wanted to prioritize in their Barangay CRM plans.

6. Reorganization and strengthening of Fisherfolk Associations for CRM and

enterprise development. 6.1. Reorganizing Fisherfolk Associations in the two barangays

It was then time to build and strengthen the two community organizations that would implement CRM and enterprise management activities. In May 2002, a pre-membership education seminar was facilitated by ATRE in Bubual and Ticala Island for members of inactive fisherfolk associations. ATRE provided community members with inputs on some of the skills, and competencies they needed to become effective members of their associations. The workshop covered principles, objectives and benefits of being members of cooperatives or organizations.

Community members were encouraged to hold general assemblies in their respective barangays, with guidance from ATRE in order to revive interest among their members. These contributed to the reorganization and revival of fisherfolk associations in the area. When this was done, the associations elected their respective board of directors, committee officers and members and staff.

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6.2. Capacity development on enterprise development for Fisherfolk Associations, especially for the womenfolk

When the fishing associations were reorganized, they underwent a continuous process of capacity development. They conducted regular meetings for themselves and were asked to attend training programs given by ATRE on basic organizational management, leadership development and team building, coop pre-membership development, financial management system (basic bookkeeping and accounting) and skills development with coaching; and savings and capital build up campaign and resources mobilization. The members also participated in a gender sensitivity training, which contributed to improving work relationship between men and women in seaweed production, processing and marketing and CRM activities. Members were further encouraged to contribute to organizational capital build-up and savings program which enabled the community associations to open their respective bank accounts. They also developed guidelines for seaweed production and marketing.

Because seaweed production was seen as a viable enterprise that fisherfolk associations could pursue, capacity building programs on seaweed production and drying technologies, market development and trading were also held. The management of actual project activities from supplies procurement to seaweed planting, cultural practices, processing and marketing/trading became the practicum of fisherfolks association members, particularly the women. It is believed that involving the women in enterprise development and CRM in the two barangays ensured project sustainability as well.

7. Establishing project operations and management methods in enterprise development and setting up the enterprise by signing agreement for production and marketing loan

Then, with guidance from ATRE, the fishing associations formulated their guidelines for their project operations and management, which included, guidelines on

Funds release; Seaweed production and marketing operations;

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Loan repayment scheme; and FA financial management systems

Given clear project management schemes, a MOA was signed between ATRE and the fishing associations for a seaweed production and marketing loan which became the basis for the management of the seaweed production and marketing project.

As a result, members of the fishing associations established their seaweed production enterprises; they identified markets for their seaweeds and surveyed prices for fixed and raw materials needed for seaweed production, choosing the lowest bidder to supply the materials they needed. In September 2002, all the needed materials were released to members, and members started seaweed production.

By November 2002, seaweed harvesting of seaweeds began. Since then, the project beneficiaries have continuously planted and harvested their seaweed products every 30 to 45 days.

It proved that seaweed production was profitable with the organizations earning income ranging from PhP10,450 (Ticala) to PhP13,216.05 (Bubual) per production season. Thus, more members became even more motivated to undertake seaweed production.

8. Establishing project monitoring and evaluation mechanisms

Periodic monitoring activities were conducted to assess the progress of the project. Monitoring activities were done at the project and community association levels to ascertain performance status and institute remedial measures where needed during project implementation, both in relation to CRM and economic enterprise development. ATRE also conducted an evaluation workshop with local stakeholders upon project completion.

9. Ensuring project sustainability

To ensure project sustainability, ATRE worked hard to build the capacities and commitment of fishing associations and encourage LGU involvement throughout the project,

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MATRIX ON KEY IMPLEMENTATION STEPS Key Implementation

Steps Expected Outputs Timeframe Person/Agency

Responsible Resources/budget

Required 1. Mobilize stakeholders by raising their awareness

Raised awareness of stakeholders; series of activities geared towards orientation

For the assembly proper, one day, for networking and coordination

ATRE; LGU Time and dedication to coordinate and network with stakeholders; budget for the assembly proper

2. Assess the environmental, economic situation and livelihood needs of the community

Assessment of status of communities and the organizations; Identification of problems and priorities

2 days ATRE, LGU and the communities

Budget for materials and manpower needed for the preparation and actual conduct of the PCRA, and the analysis of generated data

3. Formulate a community-based CRM plan involving different stakeholders

CRM plans 1-2 months ATRE; FAs; barangay LGU

Budget for consultations

4. Provide executive and legislative support

Resources and facilities for meetings and office work/ operations Easier provision of technical assistance by partner

One year LGU LGU full support

5. Conduct intensive advocacy on CRM and anti- illegal fishing and enterprise development

Raised and deepened awareness on the importance of ecological balance; Initial plans to implement CRM

1-2 months ATRE Budget for FGDs, consultation meetings, home visits

6. Reorganize the FAs and Strengthen capacities of the FAs and develop their skills on knowledge to handle enterprises

Strengthened FAs; election of FA officers and staff Conduct of workshops and seminars which increased skills and knowledge on leadership, gender sensitivity, organizational management, financial management; savings and capital build up and resource mobilization; Learning about seaweed production and enterprise development

Continuous ATRE; FAs; LGU Budget for training workshops; resource persons, active involvement of fisherfolk associations

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Key Implementation Steps

Expected Outputs Timeframe Person/Agency Responsible

Resources/budget Required

7. Establish project operations and management methods and set up the enterprise by signing the agreement for production and marketing loan

Firm guidelines on project operations and financial management systems and Established and institutional seaweed farms; MOA between FAs and ATRE A system monitoring and assessment of status of projects;

1-2 months FAs; ATRE Commitment and active involvement of fisherfolk associations

8. Establish and implement project monitoring and evaluation mechanisms

Evaluation of results of monitoring activities

Periodic and upon project completion

FAS; ATRE

Commitment and active involvement of fisherfolk associations

Analysis and Lessons Learned A key learning from the CBCRM-EDP experience of San Pablo is that implementing a viable economic enterprise for local communities can reinforce coastal resource management. The Bubual and Ticala fishers involved in seaweed production stopped illegal fishing, but those who did not have alternative sources of income still used destructive fishing methods at Illana Bay. The project also shows that undertaking a comprehensive coastal resource management program that addresses both local environmental and economic concerns would be best implemented with active women involvement and strong LGU and NGO partnership. Here are more specific lessons and insights learned from the experience: Acknowledging the critical ingredients of coastal resource management

The critical ingredients of implementing a coastal resource management include: A good advocacy program on the importance of ecology and ecological balance and

the need to protect the environment in order to bring about heightened environmental consciousness among local residents which can lead to rehabilitation and conservation efforts.

A CRM-ED plan formulated based on a comprehensive assessment of the environmental, economic and livelihood situation of the communities

Active support, commitment and involvement of barangay and municipal LGUs in the project; LGU support going beyond project endorsement and providing facilities but also being involved directly in CBCRM efforts.

Resourcefulness in addressing obstacles. San Pablo proved that lack of money is not an obstacle, but an opportunity to tap other’s resources. Because San Pablo had no funds for CRM projects, ATRE, Co, was tapped to give technical assistance and funds accessing.

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A viable alternative economic enterprise that is acceptable to the community and easy to learn, operate and manage.

These ingredients will enable communities to maintain mangroves and protected areas, improve waste management and minimize illegal fishing that redound to increasing population of fishes and other marine species. Ensuring a difference with active women participation Enhancing gender sensitivity in

organization development and enterprise development enables men and women to work together for greater impact. ATRE encouraged the active participation of women in the whole project. It also increased women’s confidence so that they could participate in organizational and enterprise development. By ensuring increased women participation, the fishing associations in the two barangays became stronger and more successful in protecting coastal resources and increasing incomes.

Coming up with a viable economic enterprise for local communities In order to come up with a viable economic enterprise, project implementers have gathered the following lessons: Enterprise must be assessed for project suitability and feasibility, which include

availability of market and ease by which local residents can learn and implement project

Community associations must be ready and open to implement alternative sources of livelihood

Community associations must undergo a series of capacity-enhancement and organizational strengthening activities so that they be ready to operate and manage their economic enterprise.

First batch of beneficiaries must be able to pay loans made to their associations so that other batches can benefit from program as well.

Higher environmental consciousness also improves the success of alternative sources of incomes,

Replicating the Practice The practice can be replicated by LGUs that have low-income fishing communities facing depleted marine resources and lacking alternative livelihood. For low income LGUs, however, replicating a similar project may require that they partner with a

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nongovernment organization specializing in CRM that can access external resources. Replicating LGUs also need to work with local fisherfolk associations. Who to contact if interested in replication: Ulysses Triambulo, President, ATRE, Inc. 09185589267/088-5213871

ANNEXES Annex A – Illana Bay CRM Ordinances Annex B – Relief Map of San Pablo

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Annex A: Illana Bay CRM Ordinances

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Annex B: Relief Map of San Pablo

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