By Prince Mikko Bayotas on December 15, 2021 

This narrative serves as the culmination of a student’s efforts in DEVCOM 22: Writing and Reporting for Development course. The assignment entailed crafting a development-focused story that encapsulates the challenges experienced during the peak of the pandemic. In this context, the pandemic necessitated the transition to online course delivery, which presented an additional hurdle for students – demanding them to adeptly gather data and conduct interviews to weave a comprehensive narrative.

Paolo, at the age of 13, dreams of becoming a chef. He already helps his mother with meal preparation and household chores. He has mastered cooking hotdogs and eggs on his own and has even started learning how to cook the fresh catch of the day that his father, Romeo, brings home from Zone 4, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City.

However, Paolo’s father, 40-year-old Romeo, is concerned about his eldest child’s dream.

“Walang-wala gyud mi. Wala koy kaya ipalit sa akong kaugalingong bangka para naa mi income sa pagpangisda ug masuportaan nako akong mga anak,” he says.

Six years ago, Romeo used to own a wooden-hull boat, but it was later damaged after four years. Since then, he has been working on another fisherman’s boat, earning an average of P6,000 each month. He also takes up house painting opportunities, earning an extra P450 per day.

He added that he doesn’t have everything needed to fully support his family and provide education for his children, given his low income as a fisherman.

In 2020, the pandemic posed challenges for Romeo and his family. Meeting the family’s needs and ensuring education for his children, especially for Paolo, became difficult. Earning extra income could have helped them weather the pandemic, but the lack of a boat hindered that possibility.

Challenges in Selling Catch Amidst Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the seafood industry, shaking it to its core.

Small fishermen in Cagayan de Oro struggled to sell their catch due to the Revised Omnibus Guidelines issued on May 15, 2020. These guidelines restricted the movement of certain individuals under ECQ, MECQ, and GCQ, preventing them from leaving their residences except for essential reasons. Health protocols, including social distancing, also affected small-scale fishermen, as their boats were often too small to adhere to the rules. The closure of informal beach markets further exacerbated their difficulties.

Fishermen in Zone 4, Cugman, expressed that leaving their place of livelihood did not change their identity as fisherfolk.

During the two-month enforcement of Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine, Romeo and his fellow villagers relied on food rations provided by local governments. When the lockdown eased to general community quarantine, Romeo was permitted to fish, but with safety measures in place.

Despite the challenges, Romeo remains grateful for the support from the local government, as they receive relief packs.

Struggles and Government Aid

On average, Romeo and his fellow fishermen used to catch around 40 to 50 kilos of fish during each trip before the pandemic. However, the catch reduced significantly after the lockdown was imposed. Romeo stressed that their livelihood was severely affected by the pandemic.

Romeo used to supply fish to Cogon Wet Market, a popular market site in Cagayan de Oro. However, the absence of demand due to lockdown restrictions made it impossible to sell his catch.

Some local barangays, including Puerto, Agora, and Gusa, started buying fish from the fishermen during the community quarantine to support them. The availability of such support varies based on local officials’ decisions.

Government Assistance and Romeo’s Hope

Romeo’s regular life was disrupted when the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) was enforced. The lockdown greatly affected the local economy, especially for fishers in rural areas.

The Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) provided loan assistance totaling P62.5 million to around 2,500 fisherfolk and farmers affected by the pandemic in Northern Mindanao.

In May 2021, the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) and DOLE-X provided motorboats to fisherfolk beneficiaries.

Romeo received a motorboat with a marine engine and gillnets through the DILP and DOLE-X program. He now expects to earn between P5,000-P10,000 each month.

Empowered by the support, Romeo and his fellow fishermen attended seminars on boat handling, fishing methods, and marine life.

With his own boat and newfound resources, Romeo’s outlook has changed. He acknowledges the challenges ahead but is determined to help Paolo achieve his dream of becoming a chef.

Despite uncertainties related to the ongoing pandemic, Romeo remains hopeful as Cugman and other barangays transition to eased alert levels, aiming for a brighter future.