37 their previous settlement as they have everything they need in their new community. 274 Their experience highlights the importance of having a strong community organization in the area, and the proper implementation of the pertinent provisions of the Fisheries Code, with emphasis on genuine consultation with the fisherfolk communities. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their livelihood The main issue faced by the artisanal fisherfolk from Luzon and Mindanao faced during the imposition of community quarantines was that they were not allowed to fish, 275 particularly during Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) from March to around May 2020. Although they were allowed to fish during the General Community Quarantine period, albeit for a limited period only, the participants shared that the pandemic and the quarantine measures compounded their already precarious situation. With dwindling marine resources in municipal waters and the limited time to fish, it meant lower income and hunger.276 Some participants admitted that they had to risk going out to fish or collect shellfish to have food or income during the quarantine period.277 They added that they would not need to disregard the quarantine measures if they were given a chance to fish.278 During the time when they were allowed to fish, the problem that arose was that they could not bring their catch to market. Either the market was closed due to schedules imposed by the local government,279 or they were not allowed to cross between municipalities to deliver their catch to the markets located outside their respective municipalities.280 The only recourse was to sell their catch in their community or barter them for other goods or supplies. 281 If they could bring their catch to the market, they had to sell it at a low price because there were limited buyers. In Navotas, they were able to sell their catch only in “consignacion” 282 where they had to also compete with the price set by commercial fishing operations.283 In addition, with the closure of entrances and exits in their community, they could not buy necessities like infant milk or materials to repair their boats and nets. 284 Some participants from Visayas and Mindanao shared different experiences on the COVID-19 Pandemic. Visayas participants were still allowed to fish during the pandemic's early stages because there were still very few cases in their municipalities. They also mentioned that the DA announced that farmers and fisherfolks could continue their livelihood.285 According to a participant from Zamboanga Sibugay, they were also allowed to fish during this time, and they were also able to take advantage of their aquaculture and mangrove projects during the pandemic.286 However, he said they noticed a rise in the number of fisherfolk plying their area. He attributed this to the increasing number of people losing their jobs during the pandemic and turning to fishing to survive. 287 Some participants, particularly those coming from Cebu, have reported the same situation. 274 Consultations with Fisherfolks, supra note 148 275 Ibid. 276 Ibid. 277 Ibid. 278 Ibid. 279 Ibid. 280 Ibid. 281 Ibid. 282 Tañong Fish Market in Malabon 283 Consultations with Fisherfolks, supra note 148 284 Ibid. 285 Ibid. 286 Ibid. 287 Ibid.