Fisheries students of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV-CFOS) engaged with two fisherfolk associations in Miagao through the service-learning program, in partnership with the UPV Ugnayan ng Pahinungod/Oblation Corps (UP/OC), held on May 28 and 31.
The first group discussed the topics on beach seine or “sahid” operations and the impact of the construction of seawalls in Miagao in their activity dubbed “Kaupod sa Padayon nga Pagbugsay” with the Barangay Sapa Fisherfolk Association, held at the Brgy. Sapa Basketball Court on May 28.
The second group, on the other hand, focused on the closed season policy of Miagao and the effects of using fine-mesh nets during the “Pagbutlak sang Paglaum: Pagtib-ong sang Kawsa sang Vintahan Operators sa Barangay Gines, Miagao, Iloilo” with the Miagao Bintahan Association, held at the Brgy. Gines Chapel on May 31.
The students who initiated the activities are enrolled in Fish 150 under Asst. Prof. Jerry Ian Leonida, UP/OC Director.
Through the activity, UPV and the fisherfolk associations aim to come up with recommendations for potential legislative resolutions to be discussed with the Miagao local government unit through the Municipal Agriculture Office and the Sangguniang Barangay.
The students, faculty members of CFOS – including Prof. Leonida, and local government officials of Miagao served as resource persons for the discussions.
The attendees were able to ask questions regarding the topics as well, led by their respective fisherfolk association presidents – Mr. Niño Sobremisana of the Barangay Sapa Fisherfolk Association and Mr. Hector Pacheo of the Miagao Bentahan Association.
After the presentations, the students conducted a focus group discussion to gather the attendees’ pressing concerns, most notably on their livelihood and community.
The service-learning program, together with the students’ aspiration to forward the needs of the community, intends to impart their services through information dissemination, education, and technical assistance.
