By Richel Borres
Barangay Gata is a coastal community located in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. It is situated in the eastern coast of Mindanao, facing the Pacific Ocean. The community's main source of income is fishing. Barangay Gata is vulnerable to flooding, especially during typhoons and heavy rainfall.
The women in this community have shown a strong desire to break free from the traditional roles assigned to them. Instead of being confined to their homes they have taken proactive steps to protect their environment.
Of particular importance is their role in safeguarding the mangrove forests, which play a critical role in mitigating the impact of climate change to the fisherfolk community in Barangay Gata. Under the leadership of three active and energetic leaders named Catalina, Avelira, and Snoopy, Gata women formed an organization called the Gata Kababayen-an Association (GKA). Through this organization, they realized the importance of mangroves and took it upon themselves to work for mangrove preservation and sustainable management.
GKA’s establishment was facilitated by the Center for Empowerment and Resource Development (CERD) Inc. CERD and GKA joined the Pinnovation Academy with their innovative project, “Women Managed Mangrove Area to Mitigate Flooding”. One of the goals of the project is to empower women to undertake the mission of planting five thousand (5,000) mangroves across five (5) hectares of protected area, which have been entrusted to their care and responsibility by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Together with their husbands and children, the women traversed through muddy waters and successfully chose the perfect locations to plant each seedling. The effort showcased their dedication and commitment to the preservation of the environment. GKA was also inspired by a fisherfolk community led by Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee, located in Barangay Concepcion, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay. The Center for Disaster Preparedness Foundation Inc., the organization that facilitates the implementation of Pinnovation Academy, sponsored a study tour in this area to gain valuable insights into effective strategies for mangrove protection. The tour had a truly transformative impact on the women. It reinforced their dedication to the crucial task of rehabilitating mangrove forests.
Intending to sustain their efforts in mangrove restoration, the group has set up a mangrove nursery. This nursery utilizes indigenous planting materials to nurture young saplings, which will be used for future planting initiatives and also for generating income through the sale of seedlings. The group also established a women's center. This center serves as a hub for conducting meetings and training sessions to empower women in the community. Furthermore, they have taken the initiative to organize regular coastal clean-up activities.
These women have taken proactive and innovative steps to effectively manage and protect the most valuable mangrove ecosystems surrounding their area. They have demonstrated exceptional leadership by organizing an inclusive municipal-wide learning exchange, bringing together key stakeholders to share and exchange their best practices in mangrove management. By doing so, they are setting a powerful example for other villages in the municipality to follow. Their goal is not only to safeguard their local mangroves but also to expand its positive impact, to encourage broader participation, and ultimately enhance the resilience of coastal communities in the face of environmental challenges.
The women's dedicated efforts have already yielded tangible results. They have successfully influenced women organizations in three (3) coastal barangays namely Salvacion, Britannia and Oteiza to initiate their mangrove management programs. In addition, they have generously provided seedlings to support this grassroots initiative, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and community development. GKA’s innovation coincides with the local government’s emphasis on mangrove management. In a commendable gesture, the municipal government recognized GKA’s expertise and invited them to participate in the planning process for the Municipal Mangrove Management Plan of San Agustin.
In addition, GKA generously donated more than 700 mangrove seedlings to support the municipality's efforts in planting and conservation initiatives. This valuable collaboration stands as proof of their commitment to knowledge sharing, community involvement, and the promotion of sustainable practices throughout the municipality. Because of their effort, the mangrove forests in Barangay Gata will soon be restored and will give a range of marine products as the mangroves provide a sanctuary for fish, crabs, and other marine species.
In addition, GKA made remarkable progress in their fight against illegal fishing activities. GKA joined a team that confiscates illegal fishing gear, initiates petition signing, and brings the issue to the attention of the municipal government. They want to ensure that illegal activities have no place in their watch and are sending a message that they are serious about protecting the coastal area. They have played a vital role in addressing this critical issue while being dedicated to advocating for the protection and conservation of marine resources and promoting sustainable fishing practices to ensure a thriving marine ecosystem for future generations.
Recently, Catalina, Avelira, Snoopy, together with the women in their community deeply understand the profound effects of stressful events on individuals. They fully recognize the critical importance of establishing a Psychosocial Support System (PSS) to address these impacts. Their commitment to the well-being of their members and the community is evident in their dedication to creating and maintaining a strong support network.
The most significant change of the project lives in every member of the organization. They found purpose in life and found more meaning. Through their collective efforts, they revitalized their environment and discovered a newfound sense of empowerment. They had proven that even the smallest actions could make a difference and that together, they could achieve remarkable wins.
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