Maribojoc, Bohol - November 2005
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It was October 5, 2005. The heat of the morning sun was stunning albeit too hot. I was waiting for DED's marine expert Antonio Cabo, my Spanish friend and known advocate of coastal conservation in Bohol. We were about to attend a council session in the municipality of Dimiao. Him- to speak on the development of the town's coastal resource management and me- as part of a documentary film crew filming the coastal resource management project of PROCESS, a local NGO in Tagbilaran, Bohol.
Coastal Resource Management
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Well, not that it was my first time to hear about coastal resource management (CRM) or fish sanctuaries but it was my first time to actually see a fish sanctuary and hear about how the communities are affected.
Honestly, I had apprehensions, even doubts about fish sanctuaries and the whole idea of coastal resource management mainly because I have heard sad stories from fishing communities who have grown cynical about development projects. Either they did not benefit from the fish sanctuary put up in their areas or they were not given the responsibility to manage them.
Honestly, I had apprehensions, even doubts about fish sanctuaries and the whole idea of coastal resource management mainly because I have heard sad stories from fishing communities who have grown cynical about development projects. Either they did not benefit from the fish sanctuary put up in their areas or they were not given the responsibility to manage them.
;)
In Dimiao, Antonio gave a presentation of coastal resource management updates in the Dimiao bay and some important details about corals and its importance to the ecosystem. It was amazing to hear Antonio talking all the time in our own language, Visayan. My dear mestizo friend has really gone a long way in dealing with the Boholanos.
;)
Rehabilitation of the ecosystem.
Later on, in the interviews with the captains of the four barangays of Maribojoc and in the fish sanctuary that was put up more than two years ago, I noticed that their situation has improved. Fishermen have more catch now because of the sanctuary which has bred more fishes and rehabilitated the coastal ecosystem.
;)
More interestingly, the people of Maribojoc Bay come together and commune for the monitoring of the sanctuary, helping hand in hand now that the management of the fish sanctuary has been turned over to them, to the people.
How it happened, apparently, wasn't smooth sailing at first. The people were apprehensive, almost chaotic when they first learned that PROCESS, with the support of DED was coming to help put up a fish sanctuary. The people had doubt, even fear that they may not be able to fish much with the emergence of a sanctuary.
How it happened, apparently, wasn't smooth sailing at first. The people were apprehensive, almost chaotic when they first learned that PROCESS, with the support of DED was coming to help put up a fish sanctuary. The people had doubt, even fear that they may not be able to fish much with the emergence of a sanctuary.
;)
In coordination with the local government PROCESS educated the people and made them understand the importance of coastal resource management and the putting up of a fish sanctuary, a breeding place for fishes. They have learned that they need to sacrifice, even with little catch for a while to have a long term of bounty catches. Trainings were held until the communities finally understood and united for the fish sanctuary. The presence and support of PROCESS which was made easier by Antonio speaking the local language, contributed in the success of the sanctuary.
;)
Hoping for the long term success.
Eventually, the people of Maribojoc gained the fruits of their labor. Now, they say, they can sustain it themselves even after PROCESS is no longer there. PROCESS hard work has paid off.
Now, there are more fishes, even species that were almost extinct are coming back and the fisher folks appreciate more the importance of the sea, and of the Maribojoc Bay.
;)
It is still too early to tell whether the Maribojoc Bay's fish sanctuary will be a long term success because it is relatively new. Then again, early signs of this success are manifested as expressed by the fishers and the leaders of the communities involved.
Fish for the Future
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As the shooting of the film ended, I felt proud I have been a part of it. I sure learned many things. One of which is the fact that there are still committed people, sacrificing and working wholeheartedly for the majority and as one of the interviewees said: Not only the fishermen have to worry about the sea's present and future situations but all of us, for we all live by it, feed from it.
Text: Terence Krishna Lopez, Writer
Photos: Antonio Cabo, DED expert and Joseph Fortin, Photographer
DED Link Guide: Documentary Films 2005 .
Fish for the Future is one of four new documentary films about DED development projects which illustrate what becomes possible when Filipinos and Germans join forces to tackle development issues head on.
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