2025 IJRSE – Volume 14 Issue 16
Available Online: 5 November 2025
Author/s:
Abalayan, Joseph Pepito Sanchez
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Philippines (josephpepito.abalayan@cbsua.edu.ph)
Jastio, Dulce Maria Abigail Alto*
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Philippines (dulcemariaabigail.jastio@cbsua.edu.ph)
Abstract:
The Philippines is among the world’s leading fish-producing nations, yet poverty remains prevalent among small-scale fisherfolk. In San Miguel Bay, a major municipal fishing ground, fisher households face economic insecurity and limited education despite abundant marine resources. This study examined the socio-economic status of fishing families in Calabanga, Camarines Sur to inform targeted rural development, aligned with the Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization Act and Sustainable Development Goals. A mixed-methods design was employed, incorporating researcher-developed questionnaires, focus group discussions, and one-on-one interviews. Purposive sampling identified active fisherfolk endorsed by the Municipal Agriculture Office. Descriptive statistics summarized socio-economic indicators, while chi-square tests assessed associations between educational attainment and economic variables including income, years in fishing, savings, and asset ownership. Respondents were primarily male Millennials and Gen-X fishers, married, and non-college graduates. Fishing served as the main livelihood for 99.6% of households. Most belonged to low-income brackets, lacked formal savings, and had no house-and-lot ownership. Many children were out of school or had dropped out. Statistical testing revealed no significant association between educational attainment and income level, years in fishing, or savings (p > 0.05). Despite economic vulnerability, over half expressed strong willingness to attend training and pursue alternative livelihoods. Socio-economic hardship among fisherfolk is driven not solely by education limitations but also by structural constraints such as lack of capital, equipment, training access, and institutional support. Holistic development pathways are necessary to uplift coastal communities. An Integrated Coastal Community Development Framework was developed to guide LGU-academic-agency partnerships in implementing literacy, technical-vocational training, livelihood diversification, and sustainable fisheries programs.
Keywords: fisherfolk, socio-economic status, San Miguel Bay, rural poverty, coastal livelihoods, AFMA, community development, Philippines, capacity-building, sustainable fisheries
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25247
Cite this article:
Abalayan, J. P. S., & Jastio, D. M. A. A. (2025). Socio-economic status of fisher folks in San Miguel Bay, Philippines: A path to uplifting lives. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 14(16), 303-312. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25247
*Corresponding Author