“Looks like a very active group of women on the front line,” Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Natural Resources Management Officer Jim Hancock commented about the members of the Samahan ng Kababaihang Bantay Sanktuaryo ng Calintaan, Matnog (SKBCM).

Hancock noted that the women were active participants during the PRDP Global Environment Facility (GEF) community dialogue held in Matnog, Sorsogon on December 4 for the World Bank Midterm Review Mission to the South Luzon Cluster.

SKBCM President Editha Friencillo led the community members in sharing their experience in conserving their Marine Protected Area (MPA). Together with the members of the Calintaan- Calayuan- Paghuliran- Poropandan (CCPP) Fish Farmers Association, the women stated why they need to protect the marine resources, how the subproject will help their community, and their plans for sustainability.

Friencillo also told stories about how she and the other women put their lives in danger when they try to reprimand some illegal fishers who have spears and other weapons. She said that some illegal fishers threaten them, while others listen to them. “Ginagalang ’pag mga babae. May respeto (Women are treated well. There is respect), she expressed when asked about the advantage of women in serving as guardians of the MPA.

Hancock told the fisherfolk, “This GEF is special. You are guardians of a very special place.”

The SKBCM members have undergone series of organizational development trainings from USAID-ECOFISH. They were also trained on “hilot” or wellness massage through the USAID-ECOFISH in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The women’s group currently operates a wellness center in Calintaan Island. According to USAID-ECOFISH, the social enterprise aims to “improve employment from fishing towards minimizing fishing pressure and sustaining healthy marine ecosystems.”

Friencillo said that even if she steps down as SKBCM president, she will continue sharing her experience and lessons learned with the members of the group. She added that she teaches the children in their community about the importance of the MPA and how to protect their marine resources. ### (Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-PRDP South Luzon PSO InfoACE Unit)

Food and Agriculture Organization Natural Resources Management Officer Jim Hancock (center) poses for a photo opportunity with the member of the Samahan ng Kababaihang Bantay Sanktuaryo ng Calintaan, Matnog (SKBCM) during the GEF community dialogue held in Matnog, Sorsogon on December 4 for the World Bank Midterm Review Mission. (Photo by Hermito Antonio T. Privaldos, DA-PRDP Bicol InfoACE Unit)