“COLLABORATIVE ASSESSMENT OF ABANDONED, UNDERUTILIZED AND

UNDEVELOPED FISHPOND IN SORSOGON PROVINCE”

Survey and Mapping of Fishpond Lease Agreement (FLA) areas in the Province of Sorsogon

by: Surveys and Mapping Division (SMD) Chief Josie Columna, Land Evaluation and Survey
Section (LESS) Chief Anro B. Orlanes, Forester III Lovito A. Maggay, Engr. II William John B.
Calacday, Forester II Gerry B. Gatan, and Cartographer IV/ GIS Manuel A. Divina

INTRODUCTION

Aquaculture is the fastest growing form of food production in the world. It is also a
significant source of protein for people in many countries. Globally, nearly half the fish
consumed by humans is produced by fish farms. Aquaculture contributes significantly to the
country's food security and employment. Survey and monitoring of aquaculture and fisheries
structures provide important baseline data for decision-making in the planning and development
of these areas. Mapping of these structures is essential and can be performed with good accuracy
and at regular intervals through GPS reading and application of Geographic Information System
(GIS). There are many research works that focus on mapping aquaculture ponds in coastal area
of South Asia. However, inland fishponds differ from coastal aquaculture ponds such that inland
fishponds are typically owned by individual families, which means they can have arbitrary shape
and size and are not necessarily well-aligned as many coastal aquaculture ponds do.

About 40 years now, the Department of Environment and Natural resources (DENR) has
released timberland areas to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for fishpond
development through a Fishpond Lease Agreement (FLA). However, reports reveal that there
are FLA areas that are left abandoned, underutilized and undeveloped, coupled with field
observations of fishpond areas that were left widely open and unattended.

The special project entitled: “Collaborative Assessment of Abandoned, Undeveloped, and

Underutilized Fishponds (AUUF) in Sorsogon Province” aims to conduct an assessment of
Fishpond Lease Agreement areas (FLA) in the province as a pioneering area in the Bicol Region.
In this study, the Surveys and Mapping Division (SMD) through the Land Evaluation and
Surveys Section (LESS) will provide the generated data and maps of the assessed fishpond areas
in the province of Sorsogon. A perimeter survey will be conducted to determine the actual area
developed by the FLA Holders. It will then be translated into maps and will be compared to
BFAR data. The current land-use classification of these areas will also be assessed based on the
categories of agricultural, forest or timber, mineral lands, and national parks. Same will also be
determined whether areas are within Timberland, Alienable/Disposable lands, within National
Parks, or these FLA areas are already devoted to other uses such as built-up area, NGP sites,
Barangay sites, among others. All these data will be reflected in the generated map layouts
through the use of appropriate GIS software. From these data, the information will be filtered to
help qualify FLAs for AUU.
OBJECTIVES

Survey and mapping of fishponds provide important baseline data for decision-making in
planning and development and policy review and recommendation. The major objective of the
project is to map AUU FLAs in the province of Sorsogon. Specifically, Component 3.1 of the
project: Survey and Mapping aims to:

1. Survey and map 1,573 hectares of FLAs using appropriate GIS software; and
2. Develop a database within the GIS software attributes,

METHODOLOGY

How to Do Thematic Analysis | Step-

by-Step Guide & Examples
Published on September 6, 2019 by Jack Caulfield. Revised on November 25, 2022.

Thematic analysis is a method of analyzing qualitative data. It is usually applied to a set of

texts, such as an interview or transcripts. The researcher closely examines the data to identify
common themes – topics, ideas and patterns of meaning that come up repeatedly.

There are various approaches to conducting thematic analysis, but the most common form
follows a six-step process: familiarization, coding, generating themes, reviewing themes,
defining and naming themes, and writing up. Following this process can also help you
avoid confirmation bias when formulating your analysis.

This process was originally developed for psychology research by Virginia Braun and Victoria
Clarke. However, thematic analysis is a flexible method that can be adapted to many different
kinds of research.

Table of contents

1. When to use thematic analysis

2. Different approaches to thematic analysis
3. Step 1: Familiarization
4. Step 2: Coding
5. Step 3: Generating themes
6. Step 4: Reviewing themes
7. Step 5: Defining and naming themes
8. Step 6: Writing up

When to use thematic analysis

Thematic analysis is a good approach to research where you’re trying to find out something
about people’s views, opinions, knowledge, experiences or values from a set of qualitative data –
for example, interview transcripts, social media profiles, or survey responses.

Some types of research questions you might use thematic analysis to answer:

 How do patients perceive doctors in a hospital setting?

 What are young women’s experiences on dating sites?
 What are non-experts’ ideas and opinions about climate change?
 How is gender constructed in high school history teaching?

To answer any of these questions, you would collect data from a group of relevant participants
and then analyze it. Thematic analysis allows you a lot of flexibility in interpreting the data, and
allows you to approach large data sets more easily by sorting them into broad themes.

However, it also involves the risk of missing nuances in the data. Thematic analysis is often quite
subjective and relies on the researcher’s judgement, so you have to reflect carefully on your own
choices and interpretations.

Pay close attention to the data to ensure that you’re not picking up on things that are not there –
or obscuring things that are.

Different approaches to thematic analysis

Once you’ve decided to use thematic analysis, there are different approaches to consider.

There’s the distinction between inductive and deductive approaches:

 An inductive approach involves allowing the data to determine your themes.

 A deductive approach involves coming to the data with some preconceived themes you expect
to find reflected there, based on theory or existing knowledge.

Ask yourself: Does my theoretical framework give me a strong idea of what kind of themes I
expect to find in the data (deductive), or am I planning to develop my own framework based on
what I find (inductive)?

There’s also the distinction between a semantic and a latent approach:

 A semantic approach involves analyzing the explicit content of the data.

 A latent approach involves reading into the subtext and assumptions underlying the data.

Ask yourself: Am I interested in people’s stated opinions (semantic) or in what their statements
reveal about their assumptions and social context (latent)?

After you’ve decided thematic analysis is the right method for analyzing your data, and you’ve
thought about the approach you’re going to take, you can follow the six steps developed
by Braun and Clarke.
Step 1: Familiarization
The first step is to get to know our data. It’s important to get a thorough overview of all the data
we collected before we start analyzing individual items.

This might involve transcribing audio, reading through the text and taking initial notes, and
generally looking through the data to get familiar with it.

Step 2: Coding
Next up, we need to code the data. Coding means highlighting sections of our text – usually
phrases or sentences – and coming up with shorthand labels or “codes” to describe their content.

Let’s take a short example text. Say we’re researching perceptions of climate change among
conservative voters aged 50 and up, and we have collected data through a series of interviews.
An extract from one interview looks like this:

Coding qualitative data

Interview extract Codes

Personally, I’m not sure. I think the climate is changing, sure, but I  Uncertainty
don’t know why or how. People say you should trust the experts,  Acknowledgement of climate change
but who’s to say they don’t have their own reasons for pushing this  Distrust of experts
 Changing terminology
narrative? I’m not saying they’re wrong, I’m just saying there’s
reasons not to 100% trust them. The facts keep changing – it used to
be called global warming.

In this extract, we’ve highlighted various phrases in different colors corresponding to different
codes. Each code describes the idea or feeling expressed in that part of the text.

At this stage, we want to be thorough: we go through the transcript of every interview and
highlight everything that jumps out as relevant or potentially interesting. As well as highlighting
all the phrases and sentences that match these codes, we can keep adding new codes as we go
through the text.

After we’ve been through the text, we collate together all the data into groups identified by code.
These codes allow us to gain a a condensed overview of the main points and common meanings
that recur throughout the data.

Step 3: Generating themes

Next, we look over the codes we’ve created, identify patterns among them, and start coming up
with themes.
Themes are generally broader than codes. Most of the time, you’ll combine several codes into a
single theme. In our example, we might start combining codes into themes like this:

Turning codes into themes

Codes Theme

 Uncertainty Uncertainty
 Leave it to the experts
 Alternative explanations

 Changing terminology Distrust of experts

 Distrust of scientists
 Resentment toward experts
 Fear of government control

 Incorrect facts Misinformation

 Misunderstanding of science
 Biased media sources

At this stage, we might decide that some of our codes are too vague or not relevant enough (for
example, because they don’t appear very often in the data), so they can be discarded.

Other codes might become themes in their own right. In our example, we decided that the code
“uncertainty” made sense as a theme, with some other codes incorporated into it.

Again, what we decide will vary according to what we’re trying to find out. We want to create
potential themes that tell us something helpful about the data for our purposes.

Step 4: Reviewing themes

Now we have to make sure that our themes are useful and accurate representations of the data.
Here, we return to the data set and compare our themes against it. Are we missing anything? Are
these themes really present in the data? What can we change to make our themes work better?

If we encounter problems with our themes, we might split them up, combine them, discard them
or create new ones: whatever makes them more useful and accurate.

For example, we might decide upon looking through the data that “changing terminology” fits
better under the “uncertainty” theme than under “distrust of experts,” since the data labelled with
this code involves confusion, not necessarily distrust.

Step 5: Defining and naming themes

Now that you have a final list of themes, it’s time to name and define each of them.
Defining themes involves formulating exactly what we mean by each theme and figuring out
how it helps us understand the data.

Naming themes involves coming up with a succinct and easily understandable name for each
theme.

For example, we might look at “distrust of experts” and determine exactly who we mean by
“experts” in this theme. We might decide that a better name for the theme is “distrust of
authority” or “conspiracy thinking”.

Step 6: Writing up
Finally, we’ll write up our analysis of the data. Like all academic texts, writing up a thematic
analysis requires an introduction to establish our research question, aims and approach.

We should also include a methodology section, describing how we collected the data (e.g.
through semi-structured interviews or open-ended survey questions) and explaining how we
conducted the thematic analysis itself.

The results or findings section usually addresses each theme in turn. We describe how often the
themes come up and what they mean, including examples from the data as evidence. Finally,
our conclusion explains the main takeaways and shows how the analysis has answered our
research question.

In our example, we might argue that conspiracy thinking about climate change is widespread
among older conservative voters, point out the uncertainty with which many voters view the
issue, and discuss the role of misinformation in respondents’ perceptions.

The team conducted GPS reading of the 89 Fishpond Lease Agreements (FLAs) in the 12
Municipalities of Sorsogon namely, Bulan, Casiguran, Castilla, Donsol, Gubat, Juban,
Magallanes, Matnog, Pilar, Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon, and Sta. Magdalena with a total of 1,573
hectares. These sites will be assessed to determine whether FLAs qualify as AUU.

This study conducted the following activities:

1. Review and research FLA data and maps from BFAR

2. Review documents from DENR on areas released for fishpond purposes.
3. Conduct reconnaissance surveys of FLAs in Sorsogon Province.
4. Mapping of FLAs in Sorsogon Province

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1. Total area of FLAs in Sorsogon Province

Note: add column on area based on master list and based on TD of Fishpond survey, survey plan
and cadastral lot.

2. Total area of FLAs per Municipality.

MUNIPALITY LEASE AREA

BULAN 78.779
CASIGURAN 80.001
CASTILLA 172.967
DONSOL 38.372
GUBAT 130.350
JUBAN 97.078
MAGALLANES 239.70
MATNOG 52.269
PRIETO DIAZ 313.146
SORSOGON CITY 170.736
STA. MAGDELENA 6.09

3. Total area of FLAs within A and D.

Based on the field data and area mapped by the team, three FLAs from Castilla
and Sta. Magdalena was within Alienable and Disposable with an aggregate area of
21.5991 hectares. These FLA areas are from FLA No. 2401 Edgar Santos, FLA No.
3140 Lasala Leon, and FLA No. 4020 Emetrio Lopez.

4. Total area of mangroves within FLAs in Sorsogon Province.

Per result of GPS reading, generated map, and per FLA layout, the total mangrove
area within FLAs in the Province of Sorsogon is 317.7453 hectares.

5. Total area of mangroves and developed within FLAs per Municipality in

Sorsogon Province.
 DEVELOPED
NO. OF MANGROVE
MUNICIPALITY AREA
FLA AREA
(HAS.)

1. BULAN 4 55.9297 3.1548

2. CASIGURAN 5 57.8218 11.2410

3. CASTILLA 11 114.0669 22.6363

4. DONSOL 4 14.9100 14.3792

5. GUBAT 4 93.9766 29.8627

6. JUBAN 4 84.6535 7.791

7. PRIETO DIAZ 11 201.1743 72.127

8. PILAR 11 71.3837 42.168

9. MAGALLANES 25 180.9092 43.442

10. MATNOG 3 13.6534 33.8253

11. SORSOGON 6 138.055 33.3697

12. STA.
1 0.24 3.748
MAGDELENA
TOTAL 89 1026.7741 317.7453

6. Total area developed for fishpond purposes in Sorsogon Province.

The total area developed for fishpond purposes within FLAs in Sorsogon
Province based on field data gathered and maps is 1,026.7741 hectares out of the total
lease area of 1,573 hectares awarded to FLA holders.

7. Total area developed for fishpond purposes per FLA.

The individual FLA map or layout was hereby attached with data attributes.
(shapefiles are ready for reference). The total area released by DENR covered an
aggregate area of 999.88 hectares per available record on LC, Zonified area for
fishpond purposes and total area awarded by BFAR for fishpond purposes.
 8. Total area and summary of area per municipality within PA/ Ticao Burias Pass
Protected Seascape and Presidential Proclamation 2152.

PRES.
TBPPS PROC.
NO. OF
MUNICIPALITY AREA 2152 REMARKS
FLA
(HAS.) AREA
(HAS)
1. BULAN, SORS 4 70.400
2. CASIGURAN 5 0
3. CASTILLA 0 56.1701
4. DONSOL 4 38.372
5. GUBAT 4 17.228
6. JUBAN 4 97.078
7.
22 132.01
MAGALLANES
8. MATNOG 2 19.92
9. PRIETO DIAZ 11 29.65
10. PILAR 5 23.53
11. SORSOGON 3 33.433
12. STA.
0
MAGDELENA
TOTAL 270.0031 177.3890

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

The actual lease area per record from DA-BFAR office, Sorsogon Province has 89 FLAs
with area of 1,540.7160 hectares. Based on field activity; GPS reading, site assessment and
verification of FLA’s the team gathered and conclude the herein data as follows;

Bulan, Sorsogon, all the four (4) FLAs were fully developed, operational and active.
Result of GIS mapping one FLA composed of 13.63 hectares of fully vegetated mangrove. Four
FLAs were within the Ticao Burias Pass Protected Seascape.

Casiguran, Sorsogon. All the five 5 FLAs were developed and operational not covered
by TBPPS and Pres. Proc. 2152 and per filed data FLA of Noriel P. Badiola has big area of
mangrove vegetation with 9.5224 hectares.
 Castilla, Sorsogon. The 11 FLA’s were developed and operational and five (5) FLAs
were within the Ticao Burias Pass Protected Seascape.

Donsol, Sorsogon. Out of four FLAs, per record FLA nos, 5696, 5697 &5698 or 3 FLAs
were reverted into the category of Forest land. FLA area of Carandang, per lease area it
composed of 27.059 hectares but per field data and mapped, the developed area composed of
14.910 hectares, mangrove area of 6.6342 hectares, alienable and Disp., area, of 2.4871 hectares
and built-up area of 4.9106 hectares.

Gubat, Sorsogon. Four FLA was within the LGU of Gubat, 3 FLAs were developed and
operation and one FLA area was abandoned and fully vegetated with mangrove species.

Pilar, Sorsogon. Out of 11 FLAs, 3 lease area was not developed into fishpond purposes
but fully covered with mangrove species, and the 9 FLAs was developed and operational.
Likewise, five (5) FLAs were within TBPPS.

Sta. Magdelena, Sorsogon. FLA no. 4020 of Emetrio Lopez covers an area of 6.0875
hectares, with mangrove area of 2.7979 hectares, built-up of 1.9282 hectares, not operational
uand developed area into agricultural purposes of 1.2423 hectares, not for fishpond.

3.5 LAND COVER CHANGES

2. Survey and Mapping

2.1. DENR Data. The Surveys and mapping Division (SMD) through the Land
Evaluation and Surveys Section (LESS) shall provide the data and maps of areas released for
fishpond purposes in the province of Sorsogon. Maps of timberland areas released for fishpond
purposes will also be secured from NAMRIA as an initial data for map overlay. Thereafter, maps
of FLAs issued by the BFAR will be overlaid in these NAMRIA maps. Representative of their
Office shall also join the technical assessment Team. A full-time GIS Specialist will also be
hired for the project.
2.2. Mapping. Similarly, the BFAR will provide data and maps on Timberland areas
released for fishpond purposes which has been subjected to Fishpond Lease Agreements (FLAs).
From that data, the information will be filtered to determine active FLA holders from inactive
and expired FLAs.
2.3. Survey. Perimeter survey will be conducted to determine actual area developed by
the FLA holder. The survey will be translated into maps and will be compared to the BFAR data.
 REFERENCES

Travaglia, C., Profeti, G., Manjarrez, J.A., Lopez, N.A. “Mapping coastal aquaculture and
fisheries structures by satellite imaging radar Case study of the Lingayen Gulf, the
Philippines”. Fisheries Technical Paper No. 459, Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations, 2004.

Caulfield, J. “How to do Thematic Analysis: Step-by-Step Guide and Examples. SCRIBBR.

Published on September 6, 2019 and revised on November 25, 2022. Seen at:
https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/thematic-analysis/