Rising above the waves

Rising before dawn to prepare nets, enduring long days at sea, and stretching each day’s catch to feed the family, Francisca Pasayon, a 57-year-old mother of three from Mahinog, Camiguin Island, grew up in a household where fishing was not just a livelihood but a way of life. She has learned early on that survival often comes from perseverance and unity.

As a young girl, she spent her days by her mother’s side, selling freshly caught fish that her father brought home from the sea. Life was difficult, and financial hardship forced her to drop out of school before even completing elementary education. Yet, instead of giving up, Francisca devoted herself to helping her parents make ends meet, carrying with her a strong sense of responsibility and determination.

When she started her own family, life at sea remained central to their survival. Her husband, also a fisherman, worked tirelessly to provide for their children. In 2021, a tragedy struck when he passed away due to a severe ulcer, leaving Francisca alone to raise their three children. In the face of grief and uncertainty, she chose courage over despair.

Despite her grief, Francisca continued fishing, selling their catch, and taking on small livelihood activities to meet her children’s daily needs. She managed the household on her own and taught her children the value of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance, guiding them to face life’s challenges with resilience rather than fear.

Over the years, Francisca showed unwavering strength by continuing the fish-dealing business to support her family, with the help of her two sons. Her eldest son, 33, works as a fisherman, while her second son, 26, set aside his studies to help grow their fishing livelihood. Meanwhile, her 21-year-old daughter is pursuing her college education in Cebu—a dream made possible by the family’s sacrifices.

Francisca now sells a variety of fish that are staples in their coastal community, including Sulid (Round Scad), Molmol (Parrotfish), Kutob (Rabbitfish), and Tamban (Sardines). Prices range from PHP 100 to PHP 300 per kilo, depending on the type and availability of fish. Their products come from their sons’ daily catch and from other fishermen within their community, strengthening not only their family livelihood but also the local economy.

As the business steadily grew, Francisca was introduced to CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO), which became a vital partner in her journey. For over five years as a client, she accessed loans ranging from PHP 10,000 to PHP 100,000, which she carefully invested in expanding her fish-dealing business and meeting her family’s daily needs.

Despite the big waves, unpredictable weather that often limited their catch, and the many hardships of life at sea, Francisca and her family stood firm, relying on dedication and unwavering support for one another. Today, their hard work has paid off. They now own two fishing boats, allowing them to increase their catch, improve their income, and continue supporting their daughter’s education.

Reflecting on her journey, Francisca shares a message of hope, “To everyone, despite the big waves that life has thrown at us, know that with faith in God, passion, and dedication, anything is achievable. And don’t forget to thank God for everything He has given us, whether big or small.”

Francisca Pasayon’s story reminds us that no matter how rough the sea may be, determination, faith, and family can always guide us safely to shore.