CHAPTER V: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of transitioning fishermen in Libertad,
Misamis Oriental, from traditional non-motorized fishing methods to motorized fishing
boats. Through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with a sample of 60
fishermen, key insights into the current fishing landscape were gathered.
The fishing industry in Libertad consists of 600 boats, split equally between
motorized (300) and non-motorized (300).
Motorized fishermen earn an average daily income of PHP 3,500, significantly
higher than the PHP 1,800 earned by their non-motorized counterparts.
Demographic data revealed that most fishermen are aged 30 to 50 years, with 10
to 20 years of fishing experience, and possess educational attainment ranging
from elementary to high school.
Productivity metrics showed motorized boats achieved an average daily catch of
32 kg compared to 18 kg for non-motorized boats, with the catch per unit (CPU)
increasing from 6 kg to 10 kg per trip.
The findings also underscored the safety benefits of motorized boats, with fishermen
reporting fewer accidents and injuries due to enhanced stability and faster travel times.
A pilot program implemented with five fishermen demonstrated the practical benefits of
motorized fishing, providing a model for broader adoption.
Table 1: Current Status of the Fishing Industry in Libertad
Category Motorized Boats Non-Motorized Boats
Number of Boats 300 300
Average Daily Income (PHP) 3,500 1,800
Average Daily Catch (kg) 32 18
Catch Per Unit (kg/trip) 10 6
Fishing Trips per Week 4–5 3–4
5.2 Current Status of the Fishing Industry
The current fishing landscape in Libertad is characterized by a diverse range of fishing
methods, varying levels of expertise, and differences in boat usage. The majority of
fishermen are in their prime working years, aged between 30 and 50, with substantial
experience ranging from 10 to 20 years. Educational attainment is generally at the
elementary or high school level. The primary fishing techniques employed include hook
and line, gillnets, and traps, which reflect the resourcefulness and adaptability of the
fishermen in utilizing available resources. In terms of fishing frequency, motorized
fishermen typically conduct 4 to 5 trips per week, while non-motorized fishermen
average 3 to 4 trips, highlighting the increased efficiency of motorized boats.
Table 2: Demographic Characteristics of Fishermen in Libertad
Demographic Indicator Details
Age Range 30–50 years
Fishing Experience 10–20 years
Education Level Elementary to High School
Predominant Fishing Methods Hook and Line, Gillnets, Traps
Weekly Fishing Trips 4–5 (Motorized), 3–4 (Non-Motorized)
5.3 Barriers to Ownership of Motorized Boats
The study identified several key obstacles preventing fishermen from transitioning to
motorized boats. Financial constraints are a significant hurdle, with the initial investment
of PHP 70,000 being unaffordable for many, thus limiting access to motorized fishing
equipment. Additionally, a lack of technical knowledge poses a challenge, as many
fishermen do not have the necessary skills to operate and maintain motorized boats
effectively. Resource accessibility is also an issue, as limited access to fuel, spare parts,
and repair services further complicates the transition, making it more difficult for
fishermen to fully adopt motorized fishing methods.
Table 3: Barriers to Ownership of Motorized Boats
Barrier Details
Financial Constraints Initial cost of PHP 70,000 is prohibitive.
Technical Knowledge Lack of skills for operation and repair.
Resource Accessibility Limited access to fuel and spare parts.
5.4 Implementation of Pilot Program
To validate the feasibility of transitioning to motorized fishing, a pilot program was
conducted involving five fishermen, yielding promising results. The daily catch increased
significantly from 18 kg to 32 kg, while daily income improved from PHP 1,800 to PHP
3,500, showcasing the economic benefits of motorized fishing. Additionally, the number
of weekly fishing trips rose from 3-4 to 4-5, indicating higher efficiency and better
resource utilization. These outcomes underscore the potential of motorized fishing boats
to enhance productivity and economic stability for the fishing community.
Table 4: Performance Metrics of Pilot Program Fishermen
Performance Metric Before (Non-Motorized) After (Motorized)
Average Daily Catch (kg) 18 32
Average Daily Income (PHP) 1,800 3,500
Weekly Fishing Trips 3–4 4–5
5.5 Safety and Catch Per Unit Analysis
The introduction of motorized fishing boats has significantly enhanced both safety and
productivity for fishermen in Libertad. The stability and speed of motorized boats have
notably reduced the incidence of accidents and injuries, making fishing trips safer and
more reliable. In terms of productivity, the catch per unit (CPU) has increased from 6 kg
for non-motorized boats to 10 kg for motorized boats, demonstrating a substantial
advantage in efficiency and output. These improvements highlight the transformative
impact of adopting motorized fishing methods in the community.
5.6 Conclusions
The study concludes that transitioning to motorized fishing boats is both technically and
financially feasible for fishermen in Libertad, Misamis Oriental. Key findings highlight
significant benefits, including increased productivity and income, with motorized boats
enabling higher catch volumes and daily earnings, demonstrated by an impressive ROI
of 587% during the pilot program. Furthermore, motorized boats improve safety by
reducing accidents and enhancing navigation capabilities, ensuring safer fishing
practices. The operational success of the pilot program confirms the feasibility of
expanding motorized fishing methods across the community. However, financial,
technical, and resource barriers must be addressed through targeted interventions,
including financial assistance, technical training, and strengthened stakeholder
collaboration, to ensure successful and sustainable adoption.
Table 5: Return on Investment (ROI) Calculation
Metric Value
Initial Investment per Boat (PHP) 70,000
Increased Daily Income (PHP) 1,700 (from PHP 1,800 to 3,500)
ROI (%) 587%
5.7 Recommendations
To scale the success of the pilot program, several strategic actions are recommended.
Financial assistance should be prioritized by partnering with local cooperatives such as
ASA, CARD, FICCO, and MSU to offer low-interest loans and flexible payment terms
while advocating for government subsidies to reduce acquisition costs. Technical
training initiatives are essential, including workshops on boat operation, maintenance,
and safety protocols, alongside the establishment of local repair facilities to ensure
accessible maintenance services. Community engagement plays a vital role; success
stories from the pilot program should be widely promoted through outreach campaigns,
and barangay-level meetings can encourage broader community participation.
Organizational support is also critical, involving the formation of a local fishermen’s
association to facilitate resource sharing and problem-solving, as well as collaboration
with local government units (LGUs) to implement policies that support fishing
modernization. Environmental sustainability must be integrated into the initiative through
training on sustainable fishing practices to preserve marine resources and maintain
ecological balance. Finally, a well-planned expansion strategy should gradually include
more fishermen in the program, prioritizing those in need or eager to adopt motorized
boats, with clear targets set for equipment distribution, training, and financial support.