Establishing livelihood resilience among fishing communities: The case of tuna (Thunnus albacares) fisheries in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

Authors

  • Dr. Fye Dunaway R. Asio Occidental Mindoro State College Author
  • Jean P. Gulac Occidental Mindoro State College Author
  • Dr. Jason G. Ramirez Occidental Mindoro State College Author
  • Dr. Liezel C. Garcia Occidental Mindoro State College Author

Keywords:

small-scale tuna fishers, livelihood resilience, coping strategies, livelihood sustainability

Abstract

In Occidental Mindoro, catching yellowfin tuna isn't just an occupation—it's deeply embedded in the culture. However, recent times have seen a decline in their fortunes. Older fishers remember when the seas were abundant with tuna, but now many voyages yield nothing. The changing temperature of the oceans affects tuna quality, leading to decreased market prices. Coupled with high fishing expenses, many fishermen find themselves struggling financially. This research delves into these pressing issues, seeking to understand the lived experiences and resilience strategies of these fishers. This study investigates these challenges and aims to better understand the experiences in sustaining their livelihood and coping strategies to overcome the economic, environmental, and social challenges of the small-scale tuna fishers. The study was a qualitative type of research utilizing a phenomenological approach and analyzed the data using thematic analysis. Furthermore, the study proposed adaptive measures employed by small-scale tuna fishing communities in Occidental Mindoro to effectively steer the intricate web of economic, environmental, and social obstacles that beset them. By implementing strategies like income diversification, credit availability, strengthening market connections and advocacy, these communities demonstrate a proactive approach to securing their livelihoods and stimulating their resilience in the face of complex challenges. This research underlines the significance of local-level strategies in fostering community well-being and emphasizes the potential for informed decision-making in supporting the sustainable development of such communities.

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Fye Dunaway R. Asio, Occidental Mindoro State College

    Dr. Fye Dunaway R. Asio currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Occidental Mindoro State College. Beyond her teaching duties, she also holds the position of Associate Dean of the College of Business, Administration, and Management, showcasing her leadership and administrative capabilities. Her professional journey is deeply entrenched in business and management, areas where she has both academic and practical experience. Dr. Asio is an alumna of Occidental Mindoro State College, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting. She furthered her education by earning a Master's degree in Business Administration from Divine Word College of San Jose. Moreover, she obtained her Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management at Centro Escolar University Manila, further solidifying her expertise in her chosen field. Her research interests focuses in business and livelihood development. These focus areas reflect her commitment to contributing knowledge that can enhance community livelihoods and local industries. She can be contacted at email:  [email protected].

  • Jean P. Gulac , Occidental Mindoro State College

    Ms. Jean P. Gulac is an esteemed member of the Occidental Mindoro State College serving as Assistant Professor and Quality Assurance Officer at  Mamburao Campus. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from St. Paul College, Quezon City, followed by a Bachelor of Laws from San Sebastian College Recoletos, Manila. Ms. Gulac furthered her academic pursuits by completing a Master in Public Administration at Occidental Mindoro State College. Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Gulac channels her passion for continuous improvement by holding the position of Campus Quality Assurance Officer. This dual role allows her to not only impart knowledge to students but also contribute to the campus's overall quality assurance efforts. Ms. Gulac's research interests primarily lie in three key areas: quality assurance, human resources, and livelihood development. This diverse range of research interests reflects her commitment to both academic excellence and the sustainable development of communities.

  • Dr. Jason G. Ramirez , Occidental Mindoro State College

    Dr. Jason G. Ramirez is an accomplished researcher with a diverse academic background. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management with the highest distinction award from Centro Escolar University, complemented by a Master in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Divine Word College of San Jose. Currently pursuing a Post-doctoral Diploma in Quality Management at Centro Escolar University, Dr. Ramirez's research interests span accounting, finance, business management, and community engagement. His work reflects a blend of theoretical insight and practical application, contributing to both scholarly discourse and societal impact. Throughout his career, Dr. Ramirez has actively engaged in scholarly activities, including publishing in reputable journals, and presenting at conferences. As a respected figure in academia, Dr. Jason G. Ramirez's dedication to excellence, coupled with his passion for research and community engagement, positions him as a leading voice in the fields of business management and accounting, with the potential to influence positive change on a global scale.

  • Dr. Liezel C. Garcia , Occidental Mindoro State College

    Dr. Liezel C. Garcia is an educator and a dedicated leader in the field of education. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Occidental Mindoro State College, she also holds the role of Program Chair of BSBA Operations Management program highlighting her adeptness in leadership and administration. With a professional background deeply rooted in business and management, Dr. Garcia is a proud alumna of New Era University. Her commitment to academic excellence led her to obtain a Master's degree in Public Administration from Occidental Mindoro State College. Driven by her passion for knowledge and expertise in her field, she further solidified her credentials by completing her Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management at the University of Perpetual Help System Laguna. Dr. Garcia's professional journey is characterized by a blend of academic expertise and practical experience in business and management. Her research interests primarily focus on business and livelihood development, reflecting her dedication to enhancing community livelihoods and local industries. For inquiries or collaboration opportunities, she can be reached via email at [email protected] 

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Published

2024-12-31

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2024): Vol. 1 No. 2: MJSSDS (July-December 2024)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Dr. Fye Dunaway R. Asio, Jean P. Gulac , Dr. Jason G. Ramirez , Dr. Liezel C. Garcia (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Asio, F. D., Gulac, J., Ramirez , J., & Garcia, L. (2024). Establishing livelihood resilience among fishing communities: The case of tuna (Thunnus albacares) fisheries in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. Mindoro Journal of Social Sciences and Development Studies, 1(2), 10-17. https://journal.omsc.edu.ph/index.php/mjssds/article/view/13

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