A Correlational Study on the Effect of Seafood Harvesting on the Fisherfolks’ Income

in Malolos, Bulacan

Angelica D. Gatdula1.1 Darlene Ivy B. Losa-Zafra2.1 Catherine C Magpayo3.1 Jeremy

James Sim4.1 Nathaniel D. Gerardo5.1 Linux S. Bartolome6.1 Fernando Ezekiel P.
Vergara7.1 Angelo M. Geronimo8.1 Nushe Magdalene G. Atayde9.1 Khalil Marcus Gabriel
S. Gajudo10.1 Trisha D. Marcelino11.1 Aliyah Kyla L. Santos12.1 Ai B. Watanabe13.1
1
angelica.gatdula@mqsm.edu.ph
2
darlene.ivy76@gmail.com
3
catherine.magpayo@mqsm.edu.ph
4
jeremy.sim@mqsm.edu.ph
5
nathaniel.gerardo123@gmail.com
6
linux.bartolome@mqsm.edu.ph
7
fernando.vergara@mqsm.edu.ph
8
angelo.geronimo@mqsm.edu.ph
9
nushe.atayde@mqsm.edu.ph
10
khalil.gajudo@mqsm.edu.ph
11
trisha.marcelino@mqsm.edu.ph
12
aliyah.santos@mqsm.edu.ph
13
ai.watanabe@mqsm.edu.ph

Abstract

The correlational research study looks into the effects of seafood harvesting on the
fisherfolks in Pamarawan. This study evaluates the seafood harvesting status in Pamarawan
Island, Malolos, Bulacan, and its effect on fisherfolks' income and determines if the industry
is still viable for income. The researchers used a quantitative method to gather Pamarawan
fisherfolks to answer survey questionnaires. There is a positive correlation of seafood
harvesting to the income of fisherfolks. The data shows that 66% of respondents have an
average of PHP 100-500 daily income, while 30% receive PHP 501-1 000. Most respondents
stated that they still wanted to continue being fisherfolk, with a rate of 79.2%, while the
remaining 20.8 % did not. The study recommends; the government's creation of a livelihood
program, proper implementation of laws and programs, and the interference of the
Department of Education in schools of coastal barangays in Malolos to provide quality
education and help the families of fisherfolks.

Keywords: seafood, seafood harvesting, fisherfolks, fisherfolk’s income

1. Introduction

The Philippines has many aquatic resources since it is surrounded by water, with
about 17 460 kilometers (km) of coastline. These kilometers include 246 063 ha of
swamplands, 200 000 ha of lakes, 31 000 ha of rivers, and 19 000 ha of a reservoir (FAO,
2023). Almost 2.1 million Filipinos are working in seafood-related industries. Central Luzon
is the country's most economically valuable for harvesting fishery products (Philippine
Statistics Authority [PSA], 2020, as cited in Manlosa et al., 2021). Malolos City, Bulacan's
capital, is one of the critical fish hubs in the Philippines, along with Paombong and Hagonoy.
The city is also one of the five coastal municipalities of Bulacan (BFAR, 2017). Malolos is
one of the cities contributing to the local economy's aquatic food production, considered one
of the most valuable fish marketing centers (BFAR–Central Luzon, 2017, as cited in Manlosa
et al., 2021). Malolos contributes to seafood harvesting with the help of its seven coastal
barangays: Babatnin, Bagna, Calero, Caliligawan, Masile, Namayan, and Pamarawan.
Among these barangays, Pamarawan Island contributes the most to the harvested seafood and
has the most significant number of fisherfolk. The island has 3 094 residents with fishing as
their main livelihood; even their barangay's name could be translated as an "abundance of
shrimps." Pamarawan occupies approximately 264 ha with two (2) kilometers of cemented
roads. The abundance of seafood harvesting in Pamarawan Island is attributed to the natural
productivity of Manila Bay, as the island is separated from the bay by only about 20 meters
wide brackish water channels (Calonge, 2018).
The seafood harvesting of Malolos is with the help of numerous fisherfolk in the city.
The province of Bulacan alone currently has 22 838 registered fisherfolks, which comes
second to Pampanga with 24 594 fisherfolks. This rate opened doors for Malolos City to
make a deal with Chungcheongnam-Do, a province in South Korea. There is a huge role that
small fisherfolks play in the constant need for fisheries supply in local markets (Bello, 2021).
The city's mayor, Christian Natividad, stated that this deal would increase the income of both
countries with this project (Silverio, 2022).
However, fisherfolks are starting to experience a decline in their income from 500
pesos a day to almost none. Moreover, more factors affect seafood harvesting, including
overfishing, weak law enforcement, and natural disasters. Disasters are social events that
harm people and the environment (Etkin, 2016, as cited in Ancheta et al., 2019). Hazardous
events like typhoons and tropical storms are commonly experienced in the Philippines, as an
average of twenty typhoons a year hits the country (Ancheta et al., 2019). These factors result
in a lower source of income and lower seafood harvest.
This study aims to understand how seafood harvesting affects the fisherfolks' income.
The results of this research study can help fisherfolks, fish sellers, consumers, and local
government units structure their businesses in the future. The findings revealed that seafood
harvesting positively correlates with the fisherfolk's income.

2. Theoretical Framework

The field of policy and performance evaluation for seafood harvesting and fisherfolks'
income in Malolos City uses the following laws and theories as a guide in this research paper.
The study is supported by the Philippines Fisheries Code of 1998 or The Republic Act
No. 8550 (Department of Agriculture, n.d.). It was amended by RA 10654 on February 27,
2015 (Baxter, 2017). The RA helps the aquaculture industry to conserve, protect and sustain
the management of its resources. It is also responsible for improving the productivity of this
industry amidst the environmental limits. The Philippine Fisheries Code prevents the disposal
of public lands, including mangroves and fishponds. Furthermore, the RA declares the rights,
privileges, financial grants, and aid the State should provide, such as technological
advancement and research, financial, production, and marketing support (DA, n.d.).
The study's premise is also based on the 2019 "Sagip Saka Act" or the Republic Act
No. 11321 (Official Gazette, 2019) authored by Francis Kiko Pangilinan. This law aims to
reach sustainability with modern agriculture and achieve food security by extending help to
farmers and fisherfolk. The Sagip Saka Act must increase farmers' and fishermen's income
and bridge the gaps between public and private partnerships to improve lives and alleviate
poverty. Under this act, the State may provide income tax exemptions and tax incentives for
the operations of an accredited agricultural enterprise (Unciano, 2021). Furthermore,
Pangilinan ensures that the proper implementation of the law will significantly help the
agricultural State of the Philippines and the income the fisherfolks and fishermen receive. RA
12321 also requires the government to buy products directly from the producers rather than
meeting with a go-between to help them learn better about the enterprise (CNN Philippines,
2022).

3. Conceptual Framework

Figure 1: Conceptual Paradigm of the Study

Figure 1 illustrates the conceptual paradigm of the effect of seafood harvesting on the
fisherfolks' income in Pamarawan Island in Malolos, Bulacan, using the IV-DV Model. This
research study used seafood harvesting as the independent variable. The IV is used to observe
its direct effect on the income of fisherfolks. Malolos City's abundant seafood harvest is the
study's focus. The fisherfolks' income is used as the DV. The effect of seafood harvesting is
measured through income. In conclusion, this research aims to know the effect of seafood
harvesting on the fisherfolks' income.

Research Questions

1. Is seafood harvesting in barangay Pamarawan in Malolos still profitable?

2. Do the fisherfolks in this barangay earn a reasonable income?
3. What are the factors in seafood harvesting that have a direct effect on the fisherfolk's
income?
4. What recommendations can be made to address the problems mentioned, and what
future studies can be made from the findings?

4. Research Methodology

In this research study, the researchers are using the quantitative method of Lazarsfeld
(1933) (Sogolytics, 2019). A quantitative study is a method used to collect and analyze
numerical data. Quantitative research is used to discover patterns and averages, predict the
result of the study, and generalize the results to a broader population (Bhandari, 2022). This
methodology studies a particular group of people or the sample population. Then, a scientific
inquiry examines questions regarding the sample population. The quantitative methodology
uses data to observe and measure the questions (Burrell & Gross, 2017). The researchers used
purposive sampling for the number of respondents needed. Purposive sampling is when
researchers choose specific individuals or elements to be part of a sample because they
possess specific characteristics that are important for the study.

Research Design

A correlational research design is used as it methodically investigates the relationship

between the variables (Bhandari, 2022). Correlational research design is used because it
formally tests hypotheses, making predictions using the survey's statistics (Bhandari, 2022).
A collection of questionnaires is used to evaluate the effect of seafood harvesting in Malolos
on the fisherfolks' income and is used as gathering tools.

Respondents of the Study

The critical respondents of the study are the fisherfolks in the barangay Pamarawan in
Malolos, Bulacan.
The respondents for this study are the fisherfolk of Pamarawan Island in Malolos City.
The critical respondents are chosen as the subject of a correlational study on the effect of
seafood harvesting on the fisherfolks' income in Malolos, Bulacan. Based on their knowledge
and experience, the researchers are confident that these respondents can offer reliable
information and data for the study. The information gained from these respondents is used to
determine the effects of seafood harvesting on fisherfolks' income.
The researchers collected 52 respondents among the fisherfolk in Pamarawan,
Malolos City.

Quantitative Data Collection

A survey questionnaire is used to gather appropriate data for the study. To make the
results more reliable, the researchers used Filipino as the language of their survey.
1. The survey questionnaire contains five (5) sections. It is distributed among the
fisherfolks of barangay Pamarawan of Malolos City. The first section includes the
demographic information of respondents. Some are marked optional to protect the
study participants' rights.
2. The second section concerns the employment status of the participants.
3. The survey's third section contains a chart for dichotomous questions.
4. The fourth section includes multiple-answer questions concerning the harvest of
fisherfolks and the factors affecting it.
5. The last section contains another multiple-choice question involving the fisherfolks'
income.

Quantitative Data Analysis and Statistical Treatment

The data collected have been analyzed and quantified using descriptive and inferential
statistics. The statistical tools used are frequency and distribution percentage mean and
Pearson’s R. to identify the effect of seafood on fisherfolk. The mean reveals the average
among all the survey respondents and helps show the connection between a particular
outcome and the quantitative outcome. Frequency and Percentage Distribution are used in
this research study to calculate the data and express the relative frequency of gathered data
from survey responses. Pearson’s R is used to determine the correlation between the seafood
harvested and the income of the fisherfolks.
 5. Results and Discussion

This chapter presents the data collected for the study. The content of this chapter is the
responses gathered from the fisherfolks of Pamarawan through survey questionnaires
concerning their seafood harvesting and income. The data presented in this chapter is in
sequence with the problem statement in Chapter 1. (1) Is seafood harvesting in barangay
Pamarawan in Malolos still profitable? (2) Do the fisherfolk in this barangay earn a
reasonable income? (3) What are the factors in the seafood harvesting that have a direct effect
on the fisherfolk's income? (4) What recommendations can be made to address the problems
mentioned, and what future studies can be made from the findings?
The fishermen gathered are known to have experience when it comes to seafood. The
participants voluntarily answered the given questions by the researchers as they could also
help them and guide them if respondents had any issues or questions about the given
question.

1. Is the seafood harvesting in barangay Pamarawan in Malolos still profitable?

1.1 Frequency and percentage distribution of fisherfolk’s average income

𝑓 %

Average Income No Answer 2 3.8 %

Daily

PHP 100 - 500 33 63.5%

PHP 501 - 1 000 15 28.8 %

PHP 1 001 - 1 500 1 1.9 %

PHP 1 501 - 2 000 1 1.9 %

TOTAL 52 100 %

Table 1 showcases the respondents’ average incomes. Among the 52 respondents

regarding income, two fisherfolks (3.8%) did not answer, while 63.5% claimed they have an
average of PHP 100 - 500 daily income. About 28.8% receive PHP 501 - 1 000 daily, and the
remaining percentage is divided between PHP 1 001 - 1 500 (1.9%) and PHP 1 501 - 2 000
(1.9%).

1.2 Frequency and percentage distribution of fisherfolk’s harvested seafood

𝑓 %

Harvested Different kinds of 31 22.3 %

Seafood fish

Blue Crab 40 28.8%

(Alimasag)
 Mud Crab 22 15.8%
(Alimango)

Mantis shrimp 2 1.4%

(Alupihang dagat)

Oyster 1 0.7 %

Shrimp 41 29.5%

Others 2 1.4 %

TOTAL 139 100 %

The table shows that the most harvested seafood in Pamarawan is shrimp, rated at
about 29.5%. Meanwhile, blue crab (alimasag) comes at 28.8%, mud crab (alimango) at
15.8%, mantis shrimp (alupihang dagat) at 1.4%, oysters at 0.7%, and different kinds of fish
reach 22.3%. The remaining 1.4% answered that they harvest other types of seafood.

1.3 Frequency and percentage distribution of seafood harvesting and if it reaches

local demand

𝑓 %

Does the No Answer 12 23.1%

average seafood
harvesting meet Yes 35 67.3 %
the daily local
demand? No 5 9.6 %

TOTAL 52 100 %

Table 3 shows that the harvesting meets the daily local demand. As shown above, 40
respondents answered the question, and the other 12 (23.1%) had no comment. Of the 40
mentions, 35 (67.3%) said that the harvested seafood is sufficient for the demand, while 5
(9.6 %) said that the seafood harvesting does not suffice the local demand.

1.4 Frequency and percentage distribution of fisherfolks continuing livelihood on

seafood harvesting with its current state

𝑓 %

Given the No Answer 4 7.7%

current
circumstances Yes 38 73.1 %
in Pamarawan
seafood No 10 19.2 %
harvesting,
would you still
 continue being a
fisherfolk?

TOTAL 52 100 %

Table 4 showed that amidst the current state of seafood harvesting in Pamarawan, 38
(73.1%) respondents were still willing to remain fisherfolk. There were 4 (7.7%) remaining
fisherfolks who had no answer. In contrast, only 10 (19.2%) thought otherwise.

1.5 Frequency and percentage distribution of the fisherfolks' daily harvest and capital

𝑓 %

What is the No Answer 7 13.5%

average amount
of seafood 1 - 5 kg 18 34.6 %
produced daily?
6 - 10 kg 11 21.2 %

11 - 15 kg 3 5.8 %

16 - 20 kg 3 5.8 %

21 - 25 kg 10 19.2 %

TOTAL 52 100 %

How much Less than PHP 10 000 9 17.3 %

capital do you
need before PHP 10 000 - 50 000 14 26.9 %
fishing?
PHP 50 001 - 100 000 15 28.8 %

PHP 100 001-150 000 5 9.6 %

PHP 150 001 -200 000 7 13.5 %

More than 2 3.8 %

PHP 200 000

TOTAL 52 100%

Table 5 gives a quantitative perspective on the amount of the fisherfolks' daily

harvest; there were 52 responses regarding the amount harvested daily, of which 18 amassed
1 - 5 kg worth of seafood daily, 11 gained 6 - 10 kg, 3 respondents harvested 11 - 15, and 16
with 20 kg, while 10 collected 21 - 25 kg.13.5 % of the respondents had no answer for this
question.
In the table, 9 fisherfolks claimed to need a capital below PHP 10 000, 14 within the
PHP 10 000 - 50 000 range, 19 were within PHP 50 001 - 100 000, while 6 within PHP 100
001 - 150 000, 12 required PHP 150 001 - 200 000, and only one claimed to need more than
PHP 200 000. Fishing boats play a crucial role in fish harvesting. Purchasing a single fishing
boat with no other fishing equipment; will cost the fisherfolk PHP 25 000 to PHP 100 000.
Apart from these, they also need to allot a fuel and boat maintenance budget.

2. Do the fisherfolks in this barangay earn a reasonable income?

2.1 Frequency and percentage distribution of fisherfolks' livelihood

𝑓 %

What is your No Answer 1 1.9%

livelihood?

Fisherfolk only 35 67.3 %

Have other 16 30.8 %

source of
income

TOTAL 52 100 %

Table 6 consists of documents on the fisherfolks' livelihoods, whether they are only
operating as fisherfolks or have other livelihood ways. Of the 52 respondents, one fisherfolk
(1.9%) had no answer, 35 (67.3%) said fishing is their only occupation, whereas 16 (30.8%)
had other paying jobs apart from fishing.

2.2 Frequency and Percentage Distribution of Fisherfolks on needs and income

𝑓 %

Do you still No Answer 22 42.3%

receive monthly
income when Yes 7 13.5%
there is no
harvest? No 23 44.2 %

TOTAL 52 100 %

Is your average No Answer 2 3.8%

daily income
enough to cover Yes 30 57.7%
your basic
needs? No 20 38.5%

TOTAL 52 100 %

Is your daily No Answer 1 1.9%

income
reasonable? Yes 36 69.2%

No 15 28.8 %
 TOTAL 52 100 %

Did you ever Yes 43 82.7 %

have to loan
money? No 9 17.3 %

TOTAL 52 100 %

This table shows that only 7 (13.5%) said they still receive an income even when
there is no harvest, while the other 23 receive nothing and 22 have no response. (42.3.%).
Another question reveals that 30 (57.7%) fisherfolks claim their income was enough
to support their needs, while the other 20 (38.5%) claimed otherwise, and 2 (3.8%) did not
answer. While for a question regarding the fairness of their pay, 36 (70.6%) said they had an
adequate income. However, 15 (29.4%) would beg to differ. 1 (1.9%) did not answer the
question.
With the daily income in mind, 43 (82.7%) of the 52 fisherfolks admitted to
borrowing money at some point, and the remaining 9 (17.3%) said they do not need to.

2.3 Frequency and percentage distribution of the fisherfolks' livelihood and income

𝑓 %

While waiting I have other 18 34.6 %

for harvesting, types of job
how do you
earn a living? None 34 65.4 %

TOTAL 52 100 %

Is there profit in Yes 36 69.2 %

being a
fisherfolk? Just enough 5 9.6 %

Still in debt 10 19.2 %

None 1 1.9 %

TOTAL 52 100 %

As shown above, 18 (34.6%) of the respondents in the table said they have other jobs,
while 34 (65.4%) said they only have fishing as their only source of income.
Table 10 concerns if there is still profit in seafood production amidst the massive
amount of capital and the unstable income due to typhoons; almost 40 (69.2%) of the
respondents said yes as they do believe that there is still income in being fisherfolk, 5 (9.6%)
said just enough as they do believe that their income is just right enough for their everyday
expenses, 10 (19.2%) said they are still in debt. Only 1 (1.9%) said none.

2.4 Frequency and percentage distribution of fisherfolks choosing this industry

 𝑓 %

Why did you Convenience 13 15.7 %

choose this
industry? Family 4 4.8 %
ownership

Family 20 24.1%
livelihood

Income 4 4.8 %

Community 32 38.6 %
livelihood

Others 10 12 %

TOTAL 83 100 %

Table 9 contains the answers to why the respondents choose this industry. The 32
respondents (38.6%) said that it was already the community's livelihood as the Barangay
Pamarawan is an island and the industry started a long time ago, 20 (24.1%) said it was
already in the family's generation to have fishing industry as their source of livelihood, 13
(15.7%) said is for their convenience and 10 (12%) said that it is for other reasons. Finally,
the remaining percentages are divided among family ownership and income, with four
respondents (4.8%) each.

3. What are the factors in seafood production that have a direct effect on the fisherfolk's
income?

3.1 Frequency and percentage distribution on the effects of fisherfolks' income

changing depending on the season

𝑓 %

Does your daily No Answer 1 1.9%

income change
depending on Yes 51 98.1%
the season?
No 0 0%

TOTAL 52 100 %

Table 10 is about the factor of weather affecting the fisherfolks' income. All 51
(98.1%) responses to this question stated that the weather is a factor in the change in income,
for better or worse. The other respondent (1.9%) had no answer to this question.

3.2 Frequency and percentage distribution of the effects on their daily problems
 𝑓 %

Do the factors Yes 48 92.3 %

mentioned
below affect the No 4 7.7 %
seafood
harvesting?

TOTAL 52 100 %

Were you able No Answer 5 9.6%

to deal with
these problems? Yes 35 67.3%

No 12 23.1%

TOTAL 52 100 %

Does the local Yes 37 71.2 %

government
provide you No 15 28.8 %
assistance
whenever you
encounter these
problems?

TOTAL 52 100 %

Does the Yes 25 48.1 %

national
government No 27 51.9 %
provide you
assistance
whenever you
encounter these
problems?

TOTAL 52 100 %

Problems affecting the seafood harvesting concern Table 11, where 48 (92.3%) of the
52 respondents agreed that the problems listed below (modernization, lack of fishing
equipment, oil spillage, El Nino / El Nina, water quality deterioration, climate change,
typhoons, and others) play a significant role in the harvesting of seafood. Among the
respondents, 35 (67.3%) said they were within control, and the remaining 12 (23.1%) claimed
they could not amend the problems. Furthermore, the table shows that among the 52
respondents, 37 (71.2%) claimed to have been helped by the local government to solve the
problems, while 15 (28.8%) were not. While 25 (48.1%) respondents felt the national
government's assistance, the remaining 27 (51.9%) claimed to have received nothing from
them.
 3,3 Frequency and percentage distribution on the effect of ongoing aerotropolis
construction

𝑓 %

Are you in Yes 22 42.3 %

favor of the
ongoing No 30 57.7 %
aerotropolis
affecting
Barangay
Pamarawan?

TOTAL 52 100 %

Is your No Answer 5 9.6%

production
affected by this Yes 41 78.8%
construction?
No 6 11.5 %

TOTAL 52 100 %

Table 12 showed that the fisherfolk refined with the construction reached 42.3 %, but
30 (57.7%) completely opposed it. The majority's decision was highly affected by the effects
of the construction on their seafood harvesting. An overwhelming 41 respondents (78.8%)
said that their harvesting is affected by the aerotropolis construction, but 6 (11.5%) did not
think the same.

3.4 Frequency and percentage distribution of factors affecting seafood harvesting

𝑓 %

What are the Modernization 38 17.2 %

factors affecting
seafood Lack of fishing 33 14.9 %
harvesting? equipment

Oil spillage 17 7.7 %

El Nino / El 16 7.2 %
Nina

Water quality 29 13.1 %

deterioration

Climate change 33 14.9 %

Typhoons 46 20.8 %
 Others 9 4.1 %

TOTAL 221 100 %

Table 13 proved that typhoons are one of the factors significantly affecting harvesting,
with 46 respondents out of 52 fisherfolks. The modernization around and in the barangay
comes next with 38 responses (17.2%), followed by the shortage of fishing equipment
(14.9%) and climate change (14.9%), for having 33 answers each. It is then completed by
water quality deterioration (14.9%), oil spillage (7.7%), El Nino and La Nina (7.2%), and
others (4.1%) for having 29, 17, 16, and 9 responses, respectively.

3.5 Frequency and percentage distribution with the help of the government assists
fisherfolks

𝑓 %

If applicable, Financial 12 23.1%

what kind of assistance Only
assistance do
you receive Financial
from the local Assistance and 10 19.2%
government? Livelihood

Health and
Livelihood 1 1.9%
Assistance

Health and
Educational 1 1.9%
Assistance

Health,
Livelihood, and
Housing 1 1.9%
Assistance

Health,
Livelihood, and 1 1.9%
Educational
Assistance

Financial,
Health, 1 1.9%
Livelihood and
Educational
Assistance
 Health 2 3.8%
assistance Only

Livelihood
assistance Only 5 9.6%

Educational
assistance Only 0 0%

Housing
assistance 0 0%

None 14 26.9%

Others 4 7.7%

TOTAL 52 100 %

If applicable, Financial 3 5.8%

what kind of assistance
assistance do
you receive Financial and 2 3.8%
from the Livelihood
national Assistance
government
Livelihood and 1 1.9%
Housing
Assistance

Health,
livelihood and 1 1.9%
Housing
Assistance

Financial and
Health 1 1.9%
Assistance

Financial,
Health, 1 1.9%
Livelihood
Assistance

Health 1 1,9%
assistance

Livelihood 3 5.8%
assistance
 Housing 0 0%
assistance

None 39 75%

TOTAL 52 100 %

Table 14 documents the kinds of aid the fisherfolk receive from the local and national
governments. In the question regarding the local government, the responses yielded 71
mentions of aid or the lack thereof. 23 (32.4%) were given financial assistance, 7 (9.9%)
were given healthcare, 19 (26.8%) were given livelihood assistance, 3 (4,2%) were given
education assistance, 1 (1.4%) were given housing assistance, 14 (19.7%) received no aid
from their local leaders, and 4 (5.6%) were given other forms of aid.
For the assistance of the national government, 7 received financial assistance (11.7%),
three healthcare (5%), nine livelihood assistance (15%), and three housing assistance (5%).
This table shows that about 63.3 % of the fisherfolk respondents in Pamarawan received no
national help.

3.6 Frequency and percentage distribution on the effects of aerotropolis construction

on seafood harvesting

𝑓 %

What are the Fish kills 19 12.6 %

current effects
of the Water quality 22 14.6 %
aerotropolis on deterioration
seafood
harvesting? Disturbance of 11 7.3 %
sea life

Low income 21 13.9 %

Inability to 26 17.2 %
catch seafood

Lack of supply 26 17.2 %

Others 26 17.2 %

TOTAL 151 100 %

Table 15 addresses the struggles the airport's construction has inflicted on seafood
harvesting, according to the respondents. With multiple responses from the 52 fisherfolks,
151 responses were collected regarding this question. Out Of the 151 answers, 19 (12.6%)
were about fish kills, 22 (14.6%) were about the decline of water quality, 11 (7.3%) talked
about the disturbance of sea life, 21 (13.9%) remarks were made on a low income, 26
(17.2%) were about the inability to catch seafood, 26 (17.2%) were on the shortage of supply,
and 26 (17.2%) responses were on other effects.
 About 69.2% (36) of the fisherfolk state that they are still earning. This profit mainly
came from the harvest of shrimp and blue crabs (alimasag) in Pamarawan. Most respondents
earn PHP 100-500 daily, selling harvested seafood. It also shows that seafood harvesting in
Pamarawan is sufficient to meet the local demand. Furthermore, it also suggests that most
respondents are willing to continue fishing as a profession despite their relatively low daily
income.
The table discusses fisherfolks' challenges, with 70.6% claiming their income is
reasonable during harvesting season. 57.7% of the respondents also claim that their income is
sufficient for their daily necessities. Moreover, it reveals that fishing is the community's
long-standing livelihood and family tradition.
Although the fisherfolk's income was stated as reasonable, there are numerous factors
affecting seafood harvesting. The main factors affecting the harvesting were typhoons,
modernization, shortage of fishing equipment, and climate change. During the rainy season,
June to November, fisherfolks rarely or do not harvest. The survey results show that 51 out of
52 respondents agreed that weather significantly affects fishermen's income. Also, since the
ongoing construction of Bulacan Aerotropolis is affecting seafood harvesting, 57. 7% of the
fisherfolk were against it. To compensate for the loss, 71.2% of the fisherfolk received
assistance from the local government, while 48.1% of the respondents received help from the
national government.

1.1 Correlation score assessment of the A Correlational Study on the Effect of

Seafood Harvesting on the Fisherfolks’ Income in Malolos, Bulacan

Daily Fisherfolks’ Daily Harvested

Income Seafood Products Coefficient R: 0.737835

2.23076923 2.057692

The researchers interpreted this using Pearson's R. The two (2) data explaining the
effect of daily harvested seafood products on the daily fisherfolks' income has a score of
0.737835. Pearson's R of the data is 0.737835; the harvesting of the fisherfolk has a positive
correlation to the fisherfolk's income. Meaning the variables move in the same pattern. If the
harvesting increases, then income increases. The mean of the daily fisherfolks' income is
2.23076923, and the daily harvested seafood products are 2.057692.

6. Hypothesis

From the problems stated above, the following hypotheses were formulated.

𝐻01: The seafood harvesting in barangay Pamarawan, Malolos City, has a significant
relationship with the fisherfolk’s income.

𝐻02: The seafood harvesting in barangay Pamarawan, Malolos City, has no significant
relationship with the fisherfolk’s income.
 7. Conclusions

Fisherfolks in Malolos, Bulacan, face a disconnect between their perception of their

livelihoods and their actual income. While most earn less than the average living wage, only
a minority consider their income unfair. Some fisherfolks borrow money and accumulate
debt, yet they express satisfaction with their work. Few complaints are made about meeting
daily needs, but concerns about productivity and harvesting factors are common. The
community's strong cultural ties to fishing limit their pursuit of alternative livelihoods,
despite the drawbacks associated with the industry. While the local government has
implemented programs to support the fishing business, many believe that the national
government needs to do more to address the issues within the industry. This study focuses on
Pamarawan Island, known for its significant contribution to seafood production in Malolos
City. The researchers aim to explore how seafood harvesting impacts the income of
fisherfolks by collecting insights and personal experiences from them. For the
recommendations, the national government should implement existing laws like the
Philippines Fisheries Code of 1998 or RA 8550 or the "Sagip Saka Act" RA 11321. Local
Government should create alternative livelihood programs to help the fisherfolk earn money
during the rainy season and consider the second and tertiary effects of their decision-making,
such as considering the fisherfolk's opinion about the ongoing construction of the airport, and
for the future researchers, they must further research the Aerotropolis that is being established
and its effects on the livelihood and income of the people in Pamarawan—also research the
decreasing number of fishponds in coastal barangays in Malolos City.
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