Assessment of Fisheries Governance: The Case of the Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (BFARMC) Empowerment in Tadlac, Los Baños Laguna

Abstract

The study aimed to assess how the Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management (BFARMC) in Tadlac, Los Baños, Laguna were empowered.  A total of thirty members of BFARMC in Tadlac were interviewed.  The Philippine governance of the fishery resources has undergone several paradigm shifts with several policies formulated to involve fisherfolk in resource management.  One of these policies is the institutionalization of the fisheries management known as the Fisheries Aquatic Resources Management Council.  The case of Tadlac BFARMC shows different issues in terms of motivation, attitudes, leadership, communication, coordination, members’ participation, livelihood, and most of all, empowerment.  The lack of budgetary support for the activities of BFARMC is one of the major struggles of the leadership.  In addition, the lack of support from the present barangay administration added to the problems in communication, interaction, and coordination of the leaders to its members and within/among the members.  These problems had caused chaos in the BFAMRC. Most of the members know that the ultimate goals of the council will benefit them, but without the financial and technical support from the Local Government Unit, specifically the barangay and municipal level, members will not be empowered.  Recommendations were formulated to address the different issues in the Tadlac BFARMC. The most significant issue that needs immediate remedy is to guarantee that implementation and effectiveness of BFARMC’s policies, laws, and programs will uplift the lives of the fisherfolk.