FisherFolks Day:
A platform where all parties connected to our sea can come together to share knowledge, concerns and explore ways to work towards a sustainably-bountiful future.
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"Adlaw sa mga Mananagat" - (En:) Fisherfolks Day
This was the first FisherFolks Day for the municipality of Bantayan, Cebu! A heavy focus was laid on sharing new ways of working with the sea by combining traditional seafaring skills with modern technology and solutions in order to healthily revive our seafaring culture in a way that rehabilitates the oceans ecosystem for the generations to com. This is a day where Bantayanons come together and celebrate their deep-rooted heritage with the sea and uplift our often overlooked Fisherfolk. We highlight the Fisherfolk's important role for Bantayan Island in as much as food security, culture, history, marine conservation and protection. This is a platform for everyone involved with our sea to get together and share their projects, pains, reflections and visions for the future. This has proven to successfully function as a means for the Local Government Units (LGUs), NGO’s and the small Fisherfolk to work with one another for these crucial purposes: the preservation, the protection and the eventual augmentation of our marine-given food sources, working with the existing local/national fishery policies. In addition, this day serves as a means to educate fisherfolk on their rights based on fishery ordinances and laws, ensuring a harmonious relationship between fishing communities, non government agencies and their local government units. |
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Why fisherfolks day?
In the Visayas region of central Philippines, Bantayan Islands' fishing communities have for decades bore the brunt of detrimental government-endorsed commercial enterprise. Under the guise of promised economic prosperity, the group of islands of Bantayan has in recent years been increasingly subject to the interests of the private sector. Whether it's a bill removing Bantayan's Wilderness area, making available the privatization of land, the North Cebu Economic Zone, or the push to allow foreigners to have 100% ownership of assets, a neoliberal agenda imposes coercive ways of dispossession.
The island of Mambacayao Dako is one of a handful of islets of Bantayan. Home to fisherfolk for generations who are forcibly relocated to public and private housing projects, alongside over 9000 fisherfolk on the main island of Bantayan, away from valuable real estate - their coastal homes. While tourism is pushed as an alternative livelihood, it sustains inequality and further marginalizes fisherfolk who already are indigent communities.
This process of dispossession turns the fisherfolk into workers who eventually will be left with hardly any choice other than to work for resort owners.
The island of Mambacayao Dako is one of a handful of islets of Bantayan. Home to fisherfolk for generations who are forcibly relocated to public and private housing projects, alongside over 9000 fisherfolk on the main island of Bantayan, away from valuable real estate - their coastal homes. While tourism is pushed as an alternative livelihood, it sustains inequality and further marginalizes fisherfolk who already are indigent communities.
This process of dispossession turns the fisherfolk into workers who eventually will be left with hardly any choice other than to work for resort owners.
Arial photo of Mambacayao Dako. Courtesy of Roberth Fuentes
Adlaw Sa Mananagat, June 27 2022
Here's What Happened:
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The day consisted of a parade on the ocean, educational presentations and an open forum. The parade on the ocean served to share and reignite interest in the Bantayanon's cultural heritage and traditions stemming from the sea. After, an on-foot caravan from the Wharf to the Municipality Hall of Bantayan Proper took place to share the celebration with everyone living inland too.
All registered fisherfolk People’s Organisations joined with their decorated boats using recycled and organic materials to add colour to our parade. The Parade on Water started at the tip of the Wharf until the Marine Sanctuary of Guiwanon - and back! 1st prize for the best decorated boat won Php 5,000, 2nd Prize Php 2,500 and 3rd prize being Php 1,500. The remaining participants received consolation prizes of Php 500 to supplement the cost of the gasoline used during the parade. |
LOCATION
11°14’46.4”N 123°44’08.7”E Municipality of Bantayan Central Visayas Tañon Strait, Visayan Sea Cebu, The Philippines |
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Route given to all the participants.
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Decorated boats. Mambacayao Diot the first prize winner as first image.
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Here’s who participated:
37 COASTAL PEOPLE’S ORGANISATIONS LEADERS AND SAVINGS CLUB LEADERS
OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BANTAYAN
Doong Fishermen Association Inc. (DOFA)
Doong Seewead Planters Association
Lipayran Fisherfolks Farmers Association (LIFFA)
Lipayran People Organization (LIPO) Inc.
Lipayran Island Women Workers Association (LIWWA)
Sulangan , Suba , Sungko , Seaweed Association (SUBANGKOSA) Inc;.
Botigues People's Organization Inc.
Obo-ob Mangrove Garden Integrated Ecotourism Conservation Association (OMAGIECA)
Obo-ob Small Fishing Association (OSFA) Inc.
Botigues Fishermen Association (BFA)
Kahugpungan sa Gagmayng Mananagat sa Panangatan (KAGAMASPA)
Lipayran Fishermen Association Inc. (LFA)
Fishermen Association of Mambacayao Dako (FAMD)
Lipayran Seaweeds Farmers & Fisherfolks Association (LISFFA)
Sitio Bia-as Seaweed Farmers Association Inc.(BSFA)
Kahugpungan sa Mananagat ug Tigamag Organikong Tubong sa Bantigue
Guiwanon Farmers & Fisherfolks Association (GUFFA)
Baod Fisherfolks Association (BAFA) Inc.
Sillon Environment Fishers & Farmers Livelihood Association
Baigad Environmental & Fisherfolks Association
Kapunungan sa Gagmayng Mananagat sa Binaobao (KAGAMABI)
Luyong Baybay Fisherfolks & Farmers Association
Kabac Fishwardens
Guiwanon Binuswagan Workers Association & Development
Brgy. Patao Livelihood Association Inc.
Sillon Group Livelihood Association Inc.
Sillon Fisherfolks & Seaweed Farming Association (SFSFA)
Tamiao Seaweed Farming Association (TASFA) Inc.
Nagkahiusang Mananagat sa Brgy. Atop-Atop Association Inc.
Mananagat sang Circulo,Cumbado,Punong,Paraiso,Tangke Association
Brgy. Sungko Fisherfolks Association
Mambacayao Diot Fisherfolks Association
Mambacayao Dako GOODLand Branch
The Local Government Unit
The Mayor's Office, the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, Restoration & Resource Management Unit, The Coastal Resource Management Office, Marine Clustering Fish Warden Representatives, Department of Agriculture, Bantay Dagat, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Marine Police and Coastguard
Mayor Arthur E. Despi
Municipal Mayor of Bantayan
Non-Government Organizations
Tambuyog , AFOS Foundation for Entrepreneurial Development Cooperation, Oceana, RARE, Cebu Chamber of Commerce Bantayan Chapter, Philippine Association of Crab Processors Inc.
GOODLand
Bihiya Warriors Youth
Mambacayao Dako Branch
Mambacayao Dako Youth
37 COASTAL PEOPLE’S ORGANISATIONS LEADERS AND SAVINGS CLUB LEADERS
OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BANTAYAN
Doong Fishermen Association Inc. (DOFA)
Doong Seewead Planters Association
Lipayran Fisherfolks Farmers Association (LIFFA)
Lipayran People Organization (LIPO) Inc.
Lipayran Island Women Workers Association (LIWWA)
Sulangan , Suba , Sungko , Seaweed Association (SUBANGKOSA) Inc;.
Botigues People's Organization Inc.
Obo-ob Mangrove Garden Integrated Ecotourism Conservation Association (OMAGIECA)
Obo-ob Small Fishing Association (OSFA) Inc.
Botigues Fishermen Association (BFA)
Kahugpungan sa Gagmayng Mananagat sa Panangatan (KAGAMASPA)
Lipayran Fishermen Association Inc. (LFA)
Fishermen Association of Mambacayao Dako (FAMD)
Lipayran Seaweeds Farmers & Fisherfolks Association (LISFFA)
Sitio Bia-as Seaweed Farmers Association Inc.(BSFA)
Kahugpungan sa Mananagat ug Tigamag Organikong Tubong sa Bantigue
Guiwanon Farmers & Fisherfolks Association (GUFFA)
Baod Fisherfolks Association (BAFA) Inc.
Sillon Environment Fishers & Farmers Livelihood Association
Baigad Environmental & Fisherfolks Association
Kapunungan sa Gagmayng Mananagat sa Binaobao (KAGAMABI)
Luyong Baybay Fisherfolks & Farmers Association
Kabac Fishwardens
Guiwanon Binuswagan Workers Association & Development
Brgy. Patao Livelihood Association Inc.
Sillon Group Livelihood Association Inc.
Sillon Fisherfolks & Seaweed Farming Association (SFSFA)
Tamiao Seaweed Farming Association (TASFA) Inc.
Nagkahiusang Mananagat sa Brgy. Atop-Atop Association Inc.
Mananagat sang Circulo,Cumbado,Punong,Paraiso,Tangke Association
Brgy. Sungko Fisherfolks Association
Mambacayao Diot Fisherfolks Association
Mambacayao Dako GOODLand Branch
The Local Government Unit
The Mayor's Office, the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, Restoration & Resource Management Unit, The Coastal Resource Management Office, Marine Clustering Fish Warden Representatives, Department of Agriculture, Bantay Dagat, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Marine Police and Coastguard
Mayor Arthur E. Despi
Municipal Mayor of Bantayan
Non-Government Organizations
Tambuyog , AFOS Foundation for Entrepreneurial Development Cooperation, Oceana, RARE, Cebu Chamber of Commerce Bantayan Chapter, Philippine Association of Crab Processors Inc.
GOODLand
Bihiya Warriors Youth
Mambacayao Dako Branch
Mambacayao Dako Youth
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Objectives of FisherFolks Day:
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Parada sa Kadagatan (Parade on the Water)
Over 40 fishing boats from Bantayan Island proper and surrounding islets, including Mambacayao Dako, 37 coastal People’s Organizations, Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, Marine Protected Area Clustering Fishwarden representatives, Savings Club Leaders, Department of Agriculture, Bantay Dagat, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Marine Police and Coastguard were decorated by the participants.
Over 40 fishing boats from Bantayan Island proper and surrounding islets, including Mambacayao Dako, 37 coastal People’s Organizations, Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, Marine Protected Area Clustering Fishwarden representatives, Savings Club Leaders, Department of Agriculture, Bantay Dagat, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Marine Police and Coastguard were decorated by the participants.
Click on image to play video documentation.
After the Parade on the water the event continued in the multipurpose hall of the municipality of Bantayan. Taking the microphone were fisherfolk's representatives, Bantayan's Mayor and various members of GOODLand.
Fisherfolk leader, community organizer and GOODLand officer, John Ortega.
Martha Atienza of GOODLand opening of the event.
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Mayor of the municipality of Bantayan, Mayor Arthur Despi.
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T-shirt caption "I am proud to be a fisherman."
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Heads of police and Mayor Arthur Despi.
Open Presentations for NGO's, Local Government Unit and Small Fisherfolks to share and exchange programs:
RARE (International NGO)
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Philippine Association of Crab Processors Inc.
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Resource Management Unit - Coastal Resource Management of the municipality of Bantayan
Fisherfolk leaders. GOODLand.
Special Thank you to the following people and organizations.
Without you this day would not have been possible.
Madamo nga salamat!
Shane Akeroyd, Han Nefkens Foundation and Mondriaan Fund.
Commissioned by the 17th Istanbul Biennial (2022)
Mayor Arthur E. Despi
Municipal Mayor of Bantayan
GOODLand team
John Ortega
Ramon Alontaga
Jessica Carano-o
Mishelle Martus
To all the fisherfolks leaders
Doong Fishermen Association Inc. (DOFA)
Doong Seewead Planters Association
Lipayran Fisherfolks Farmers Association (LIFFA)
Lipayran People Organization (LIPO) Inc.
Lipayran Island Women Workers Association (LIWWA)
Sulangan , Suba , Sungko , Seaweed Association (SUBANGKOSA) Inc;.
Botigues People's Organization Inc.
Obo-ob Mangrove Garden Integrated Ecotourism Conservation Association (OMAGIECA)
Obo-ob Small Fishing Association (OSFA) Inc.
Botigues Fishermen Association (BFA)
Kahugpungan sa Gagmayng Mananagat sa Panangatan (KAGAMASPA)
Lipayran Fishermen Association Inc. (LFA)
Fishermen Association of Mambacayao Dako (FAMD)
Lipayran Seaweeds Farmers & Fisherfolks Association (LISFFA)
Sitio Bia-as Seaweed Farmers Association Inc.(BSFA)
Kahugpungan sa Mananagat ug Tigamag Organikong Tubong sa Bantigue
Guiwanon Farmers & Fisherfolks Association (GUFFA)
Baod Fisherfolks Association (BAFA) Inc.
Sillon Environment Fishers & Farmers Livelihood Association
Baigad Environmental & Fisherfolks Association
Kapunungan sa Gagmayng Mananagat sa Binaobao (KAGAMABI)
Luyong Baybay Fisherfolks & Farmers Association
Kabac Fishwardens
Guiwanon Binuswagan Workers Association & Development
Brgy. Patao Livelihood Association Inc.
Sillon Group Livelihood Association Inc.
Sillon Fisherfolks & Seaweed Farming Association (SFSFA)
Tamiao Seaweed Farming Association (TASFA) Inc.
Nagkahiusang Mananagat sa Brgy. Atop-Atop Association Inc.
Mananagat sang Circulo,Cumbado,Punong,Paraiso,Tangke Association
Brgy. Sungko Fisherfolks Association
Mambacayao Diot Fisherfolks Association
Mambacayao Dako GOODLand Branch
Commissioned by the 17th Istanbul Biennial (2022)
Mayor Arthur E. Despi
Municipal Mayor of Bantayan
GOODLand team
John Ortega
Ramon Alontaga
Jessica Carano-o
Mishelle Martus
To all the fisherfolks leaders
Doong Fishermen Association Inc. (DOFA)
Doong Seewead Planters Association
Lipayran Fisherfolks Farmers Association (LIFFA)
Lipayran People Organization (LIPO) Inc.
Lipayran Island Women Workers Association (LIWWA)
Sulangan , Suba , Sungko , Seaweed Association (SUBANGKOSA) Inc;.
Botigues People's Organization Inc.
Obo-ob Mangrove Garden Integrated Ecotourism Conservation Association (OMAGIECA)
Obo-ob Small Fishing Association (OSFA) Inc.
Botigues Fishermen Association (BFA)
Kahugpungan sa Gagmayng Mananagat sa Panangatan (KAGAMASPA)
Lipayran Fishermen Association Inc. (LFA)
Fishermen Association of Mambacayao Dako (FAMD)
Lipayran Seaweeds Farmers & Fisherfolks Association (LISFFA)
Sitio Bia-as Seaweed Farmers Association Inc.(BSFA)
Kahugpungan sa Mananagat ug Tigamag Organikong Tubong sa Bantigue
Guiwanon Farmers & Fisherfolks Association (GUFFA)
Baod Fisherfolks Association (BAFA) Inc.
Sillon Environment Fishers & Farmers Livelihood Association
Baigad Environmental & Fisherfolks Association
Kapunungan sa Gagmayng Mananagat sa Binaobao (KAGAMABI)
Luyong Baybay Fisherfolks & Farmers Association
Kabac Fishwardens
Guiwanon Binuswagan Workers Association & Development
Brgy. Patao Livelihood Association Inc.
Sillon Group Livelihood Association Inc.
Sillon Fisherfolks & Seaweed Farming Association (SFSFA)
Tamiao Seaweed Farming Association (TASFA) Inc.
Nagkahiusang Mananagat sa Brgy. Atop-Atop Association Inc.
Mananagat sang Circulo,Cumbado,Punong,Paraiso,Tangke Association
Brgy. Sungko Fisherfolks Association
Mambacayao Diot Fisherfolks Association
Mambacayao Dako GOODLand Branch
GOODLand Bihiya Warriors
GOODLand Bihiya Warriors
Roxanne Carano-o
Rocel Carano-o
Chona Carano-o
Nelia Carano-o
Generose Desucatan
Marian Carano-o
Ana Rose Ilusorio
Roxanne Carano-o
Rocel Carano-o
Chona Carano-o
Nelia Carano-o
Generose Desucatan
Marian Carano-o
Ana Rose Ilusorio
GOODLand Mambacayao Youth Dako Branch
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Rosebelle Dacumos Ypil
Deejean Jamili Nikki Jamili Peter John Jamili Antonio Dacomos Turib Joegie Layaog Dacumos Julieto Baja Yonson Dacomos Rena-jean Espinosa Jasmin Lopez Aliana Rose Jamili AR Jean Dacomos Jansent Jamili Joswen Castillote Ronnie Dacomos Welfredo Dacomos Melchor Dacumos Geraldine Dacumos Kinneth Jamili R-jay Dolodobe Pedjin Basilan Joseph Castillote |
Piolo Jamili
Jake Dolodobe Junwel Dolodobe Jander Jamili Ritchel Jamili Betoy Jamili Aura Jean Jamili Marilou Moneba Sherlyn Paglinawan Cassie Dacumos Jelly Dolodobe Orly Golisao Angel Kayla Ypil Archie Manzanares Eros Dacomos Adong Jamili Claire Jamili Mayumi Jamili Angel May Jamili Genevieve Jamili Yverly Dacumos Christine Yonzon Nataniel Condeman |
Judge Ortega
Lester Mancao Junwel Saludar Jorey Saludar Nathaniel Condiman Maldo Golisao Antonio Jamili. Vicky Jamili Jhon Caeser Jamili Froilan Cañete Anjanet Cañete Shayla Cañete AJ Cañete Pj Basilan Elpidio Basilan Rosalinda Dolodobe Jufell Dolodobe Queencebel Dolodobe Jasmen Basilan Arneil Lopez Jasfer Basilan Jonathan Capillian |
Tiya Bebe and Tiyo Bebot Cañete
Dacomos Brothers
Film Crew
Ieusef Santillan
Roberth Fuentes
Rey Bayon-on Pacio
Fred Cervantes
Martha Atienza
Post Production
Ieusef Santillan
Martha Atienza
Roberth Fuentes
Media Team
Isaac Wick
Anne Geline Etcuban
Ieusef Santillan
Roberth Fuentes
Roberth Fuentes
Rey Bayon-on Pacio
Fred Cervantes
Martha Atienza
Post Production
Ieusef Santillan
Martha Atienza
Roberth Fuentes
Media Team
Isaac Wick
Anne Geline Etcuban
Ieusef Santillan
Roberth Fuentes
Coast Guard Bantayan
Bantay Dagat Team Head
Renato Hubahib
Philippine National Police Department Head Bantayan
Julius T. Garcia
Northern Cebu Maritime Team Head Bantayan
Rommel A. Martinez
Fishwardens and Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council of the municipality of Bantayan.
Resource Management Unit - Coastal Resource Management of the Municipality of Bantayan.
Gal Castro Meñoria, Eugene Abria, Jing Pacifico and Voltaire Cerna.
Councillor Markham Mansueto taking on the lead of proposing a resolution making Fisherfolks Day a yearly event here on Bantayan Island.
Renato Hubahib
Philippine National Police Department Head Bantayan
Julius T. Garcia
Northern Cebu Maritime Team Head Bantayan
Rommel A. Martinez
Fishwardens and Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council of the municipality of Bantayan.
Resource Management Unit - Coastal Resource Management of the Municipality of Bantayan.
Gal Castro Meñoria, Eugene Abria, Jing Pacifico and Voltaire Cerna.
Councillor Markham Mansueto taking on the lead of proposing a resolution making Fisherfolks Day a yearly event here on Bantayan Island.