Women’s Role in Fisheries Highlighted in March

By Mariela Angella Oladive

As the country celebrates National Women’s Month this March, the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 6 (DA-BFAR 6) is emphasizing the vital role of women in the fisheries sector across Western Visayas.

Data from the Fisherfolk Registration System (FishR) reveals that women make up a significant portion of registered fisherfolk in the region.

Guimaras has the highest percentage of women fisherfolk at 40%, followed by Capiz at 39% and Iloilo at 38%.

In absolute numbers, Iloilo leads with 26,644 registered women fisherfolk, followed by Negros Occidental with 22,029 and Antique with 18,565.

These women are actively involved in various fisheries-related activities, including aquaculture, fish processing, fish vending, gleaning, and capture fishing.

Fish vending and gleaning have the highest female participation, each accounting for 25%, while capture fishing follows closely at 24%.

These figures demonstrate that women are not confined to post-harvest roles but are also engaged in fishing operations traditionally dominated by men.

DA-BFAR 6 highlights the importance of empowering women fisherfolk through capacity-building programs, improved access to resources, and gender-responsive policies.

“Women fisherfolk remain key drivers of economic growth and food security in the region,” the agency stated.

This year’s National Women’s Month sub-theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” aligns with the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) and the administration’s vision of inclusive governance and economic transformation.