Talim Bay Coastal Resources Management Project

      DLSU’s Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) through its Partnership Network and Development Program unit facilitated an online survey among stakeholders of its partner communities to assess the situation during this pandemic.  The survey which was conducted from June 13-29, 2020 also gathered recommendations on relevant initiatives to undertake with the communities.  Mr. Roel Quenamot, COSCA’s Partnership and Network  Development Specialist facilitated the  participation of various stakeholders (from the Local Government Unit of Lian, Batangas, Lumaniag Elementary School, local fishers in the coastal communities of Talim bay and their household members) of the Talim bay partnership initiative. 

      Survey results showed that the pandemic has had the most impact to the income and livelihood and with food and livelihood identified as the topmost need of communities. The fishing restrictions and tourism ban have disrupted the livelihood of the local fishers and their families. Those working as resort caretakers shared that they lost their jobs because of the beach closure. They noted also on the declining prices of their fish catch resulting from the closure of the market and commercial establishments in Lian, Batangas. Respondents from the local government unit consider the COVID-19 situation to be their most pressing concern while elementary school teachers believe that health-related needs should be the priority.

      DLSU-COSCA and its partner organizations continue to look for alternative source/s of income to support our local fishers.  The procurement of necessary materials needed for the implementation of  the supplemental livelihood  (crab fattening and  sea cucumber ranching ) supported by  GlobalGiving,  Feed the Hungry, Inc and  the LGU of the Municipality of Lian, Batangas is still being facilitated.  Mangrove planting is also being promoted in the university to assist communities generate additional income.

      Resource mobilization is continuously being pursued by COSCA to assist vulnerable sectors like our fishers in Talim bay, facilitating the second batch of food assistance to some 228  members of  our four partner people’s organizations in Lian, Batangas such as the Lian Fisherfolk  Association, Inc.,  Samahan ng mga Mandaragat sa Sulok, Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda ng Binubusan and others.

      Another condition that worries the fishers is the coral bleaching noted in the marine ecosystem of Lian, Batangas.  This poses concern as marine scientists and the LGU-MENRO has advised local fishers to lessen their interaction in the area, reduce the adverse effect to  the coral reef and allow the corals to gradually recover.