International Journal of Research Studies in Management
Divine Word College of San Jose Special Issue
2026 Volume 14 Issue 3
Available Online: 5 May 2026
Author/s:
Esparagoza-Baluyut, Airabel*
Divine Word College of San Jose, Philippines (rabelesparagoza11@gmail.com / baluyuta@omsc.edu.ph)
Galay-Limos, Jenny A.
Divine Word College of San Jose, Philippines (jennygalay05@gmail.com)
Abstract:
This study aimed to analyze the problems and potentials of the small-scale fishermen in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro and their role in community development. The study tackled the issue of livelihood vulnerability arising from environmental degradation, inadequate technical resources, and a lack of economic opportunities, which affects fishermen’s income and the welfare of the coastal community. The research design used was the sequential exploratory. Quantitative data were collected from 349 fishermen by means of structured questionnaires. The challenges were measured using indicators based on economic, environmental, and technical aspects, whereas the opportunities were measured using business, social, and government aspects, with weighted mean scores. The researcher also investigated the level of fishermen’s participation in community development processes to ascertain their role in improving the quality of life and local economic development. Fishermen faced few challenges overall, with economic issues being the least, followed by environmental and technical concerns. Social opportunities were the strongest, reflecting good family support and community cooperation. Community participation was moderate, with greater contributions to quality of life than to economic opportunities. The study concluded that productivity, resilience, and income stability could be increased through improvement of technical capacity, the broadening of business programs, and the provision of government support. Improving skills, business opportunities, and government support can enhance their productivity and sustainability.
Keywords: small-scale fishermen, community development, fishermen’s livelihood sustainability, quality of life, and local economic development
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2026.26502
Cite this article:
Esparagoza-Baluyut, A., & Galay-Limos, J. A. (2026). Challenges, opportunities, and the role of fishermen in community development in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. International Journal of Research Studies in Management, 14(3), 21-39. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2026.26502
* Corresponding Author