The residents of Aliguay Island are mostly in favor of the establishment of a marine sanctuary. The source of conflict, however, is in the selection of the site for the marine reserve. There is a clamor that the site should not be the one presently considered where the giant clams are now seeded. The area is closely associated with an influential political leader. The male barangay leader has made clear his preference for this site. The common fear is that the program benefits might go to only a select few and not to the majority of the island dwellers.

Dr. Abregan interacts with women and children of Aliguay (top). Children help in their with family business (inset).

      In the participatory training needs assessment in December 1999 to January 2000, the core group of the Aliguay Fisherfolk Association identified the role of the women in coastal resources management. In fishing households, women are involved in pre- and post-harvest activities: preparation of food and other provisions for household members out on a fishing trip, selection of fish for sale and fish for domestic consumption, selling and pricing of fish, paying off debts related to household needs, and availing of credit from moneylenders in the neighborhood. Women and children are directly involved in supplementing household income through such economic activities as fish processing (usually dried fish making), production of bracelets and necklaces out of “puka” shells (remnants of shells on beach), or selling pigs raised in the backyard. Skills training on other income-generating activities was requested by the women on the island.

      Concerns related to children’s health and basic education were articulated by the women. They urged barangay and municipal officials to find ways to address the health, education and other social services needs of this island community. Two health centers, primarily building infrastructure, are noticeable on the island. However, health service providers are scarce and nutrition programs as well as day care center for children are not evident. There is no local source of drinking water; residents obtain water to drink from the mainland. In meeting these basic needs, women make do with traditional modes of medication and rely on rainwater for drinking and cooking.

    The Barangay (Village) Aliguay Fisherfolk Association (BAFA) is an all-male organization established for the purpose of marine conservation and protection. To have their voices heard, a group of island women also formed themselves into the Aliguay Women’s Association (AWA) and have been inviting other women to participate in the affairs of the organization. While AWA serves as a partner association of BAFA, it also aims to find alternative solution to the problems of basic economic, educational and social needs of most households on the island.

Selinog Island²