with reports from Russel Malejana, Program Officer
As Catanduanes continues its recovery from the significant damage caused by Typhoons Kristine and Pepito, the UNFAO, in partnership with Educo Philippines, led a Central Emergency Response Fund-Anticipatory Action Project (CERF-AA) for 97 Catanduangon fisherfolk and their associations.
CERF-AA aims to protect the critical livelihood assets of fisherfolk, such as fishing boats and gear, from the impacts of typhoons and other adverse climatic conditions.
To further strengthen their capacities and organizational dynamics, CERF-AA conducted a series of ODM trainings for five fisherfolk associations in Catanduanes.
The fisherfolk associations of Putsan-Danao, Cabcab, Baldoc, and Gigmoto participated in workshops on organizational structure. Participants were assessed on their familiarity with their organization, exploring the duties and responsibilities of officers and members, as well as the important policies governing their association.
In the “Bangkang Layag” (Sailing Boat) workshop, participants created miniature boats using barbecue sticks, rubber bands, masking tape, and colored papers. These boats symbolized their associations. They identified various parts of the boat, such as the “Kasko” (body), “paltik/katig” (outrigger), “layag” (sail), “timon” (keel), “elisi” (propeller), “sagwan” (paddle), and “angkla” (anchor). These parts represented essential qualities that their associations should possess. The parts were linked to the 7S+ framework: Structure, Systems, Strategy, Skills, Staff, Shared Values, Style, and SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression).
This framework symbolizes the idea that an organization cannot function successfully if any of its parts or elements are missing.
An additional workshop focused on SOGIE and gender roles. Participants identified the roles of men, women, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the preparedness and readiness activities of the fisherfolk, especially in the aftermath of Typhoon Pepito.
The Sailing Boat workshop also served as a visioning exercise for the fisherfolk associations. It involved three main activities: analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each group, formulating their vision, and identifying the necessary requirements for them to achieve their vision.
This project serves as a model for the children of Educo Philippines residing in coastal areas, exposing them to disaster-related preparations as young as they can.
