DOLE brings eco-tourism livelihood to Dinagat Islands’ fisherfolk
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment, Province of Dinagat Islands Field Office (DOLE-PDIFO), turned over a P2-million eco-tourism boat to the Sering Fisherfolk Association (SFA) of Basilisa town as an alternative source of livelihood for the coastal community.
Funded under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), the project is designed to generate sustainable income for SFA members, while promoting community-based eco-tourism, environmental protection, and local economic resilience.
Mejune Yosores, president of SFA, expressed sincere gratitude to DOLE and its partner agencies for the assistance extended to their association. “The project will significantly help improve our livelihood and create opportunities in eco-tourism beyond fishing.”
He shared that SFA members have long relied on fishing as their primary source of income, with farming as a secondary livelihood.
However, years of declining fish catches due to climate change, among other factors, have significantly reduced their earnings.
The opportunity came in as the island province continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination for its natural attractions.
With island-hopping and sea transport services increasingly in demand as an alternative livelihood, some members of the association have been earning additional income by renting out motorized boats.
This inspired DOLE-PDIFO to support and empower SFA members by helping them enhance their livelihoods and encouraging them to use their eco-tourism boat for other income-generating activities.
DOLE-PDIFO Head John Ritche A. Tangpos highlighted the importance of strong collaboration and commitment among partners and stakeholders to ensure the project’s success. He said the project is expected to serve as a model for future community-based livelihood programs and promote environmental stewardship and long-term development in the province.
The turnover, held on March 24 in Barangay Coring, Basilisa in Dinagat Islands, was attended by the SFA members and local officials of Barangay Sering. Representatives from partner government agencies also witnessed the activity and expressed their support, including the provincial government of Dinagat Islands, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Island with a report from DOLE PDI)
