Our ocean’s natural resources are now depleting due to overfishing, which can endanger the livelihoods of small-scale local fishermen.
Adrianne Javelosa, a fourth-year Communication student from the University of St. La Salle Bacolod, has taken the initiative to help local fishermen understand the importance of proper fishing practices through his advocacy project called “PÚNÀ”.
Since he was a child, Javelosa has been born and raised in a household that relied on fishery as their source of income. That’s why he’s helping these fishermen through his advocacy with the hope of improving their lives, not just for them but also for their families.
The main focus of PÚNÀ is to educate the local fishermen of Purok 7, Barangay Aguisan, Himamaylan City through various communication strategies and hands-on approaches with the collaboration of government authorities and volunteers.
The project was initiated in March, under the supervision of Matt Sombero who is the head of the Office of Fishery and Agriculture in the Municipality of Hinigaran.
By integrating a needs assessment survey with the fisherfolk of Purok 7, Javelosa discovered that most of them are not registered or educated about the rules and regulations of fishery. So with that information, Javelosa devised an informal gathering together with the fisherfolk Sombero to educate and conduct an open forum to hear the sentiments of the fisherfolk.
Javelosa’s next step is to provide alternative livelihood for the wives of these fisherfolk in collaboration with the Environmental office of Himamaylan City. This workshop will teach mothers how to create a potholder using recycled clothes, to give them alternative income and help their households.
Through volunteerism and heartfelt efforts, Javelosa has high hopes that this advocacy project “PÚNÀ” will make a huge impact on the lives of our local fishermen.*