Potential Participation of Fisherfolks in Tourism Activities in Samal Island, Mindanao, Philippines

Abstract

Small-scale fishers belong to the most vulnerable communities in developing countries. In the Philippines, small-scale fishers are among those with the highest poverty incidence. In Davao Region, the livelihoods of small-scale fishers can be seriously affected by constraints in fish catch, impacts of climate change, as well as the implementation of closed season ordinance. With this background, this study explores the potential of tourism on Samal Island as a source of supplemental income for fisherfolks. Specifically, this study aims to identify the factors that affect the willingness of fisherfolks to engage in tourism-related activities. Descriptive analysis and logit regression were utilized to analyze the data gathered from 100 fisherfolks. Results show that the majority of the respondents are willing to participate in tourism-related activities. Married fisherfolks and those with higher household incomes are more likely to participate in tourism-related activities. These results present opportunities for the tourism industry to employ workers from the fisheries sector. Results also reveal that participation in tourism-related activities is seen by fisherfolks as a potential source of supplemental income rather than a source of alternative income. Fisherfolks who are not willing to participate in tourism activities lack experience and interest in tourism, being used to fishing as the only source of livelihood, or have other sources of income. The local government unit is recommended to assess the training needs of fisherfolks and capacitate them to engage in tourism- related activities. This research provides significant findings from the perspective of the fisherfolks. Future studies can consider assessing community participation in general, which includes women, household members, and other community members. It is also recommended to conduct a study from the perspective of business owners in the tourism industry.