39 The majority of participants also detailed that they received support when they contracted the COVID19 virus. Food packs and hygiene kits were sent to their houses if they had to undergo house quarantine, or brought to a facility where they would undergo isolation. Some participants also mentioned that they received cash grants amounting to 1,000 to 3,000 PHP depending on the severity of their illness. 301 For communities who underwent granular lockdown, food rations and other relief goods were also sent in their houses.302 On the other hand, some participants shared that they know of individuals or families who never received support when they contracted the virus.303 Only families or friends would pool resources to provide support and assistance. Emerging concerns in the sector During the consultations, the participants revealed that their children, particularly their sons, 304 do not want to continue their trade because of the low derived income 305 and because competition with commercial fishing operations drives them to other jobs.306 We also noted that 68% of the participants were male who are at least 50 years old and over. Of the total participants, 22% are at least 60 years old and over. With such an aging demographic and the prospect of the next generation not wanting to learn or carry on their trade, the future for artisanal fishing knowledge and practices is in peril. Not only does this mean a loss of traditional knowledge, but it may put at risk the food security of coastal communities as well as the entire nation. Gender dynamics in fishing communities were also observed to be changing. Men and women of the sector are often involved in different but often stereotyped roles in their communities. Fish-catching is often considered a male-oriented activity, while women are often relegated to post-harvest activities and tedious work like repairing nets, or selling the catch to the market.307 Furthermore, women bear the additional work of having to take care of the needs of the family and the household. The consultations revealed that more and more women are taking on the roles of their male counterparts by joining them in fish catching activities,308 an activity documented as being male-exclusive, particularly in the Philippines. 309 A female participant even revealed that she lobbied for the inclusion of women in the Fisheries Law Enforcement Team (FLET)310 of Lohong, Ragay in Camarines Sur. She complained that they were not allowed because they were women and would be a burden because of their menstrual cycles. Also, it was raised that women could not urinate as men do in the boats during offshore duties. 311 These instances highlight the additional burden for women in fishing communities-- besides shouldering the responsibility for their family’s daily subsistence needs and unpaid care work, they are challenged with gender inequality issues and their roles. Their contributions to the sector are even rendered invisible. 301 Consultations with Fisherfolks, supra note 148 302 Ibid. 303 Ibid. 304 Ibid. 305 The PSA released data in June 2020, showing that Fisherfolks had the 2nd highest poverty incidence in individuals residing in rural areas psa.gov.ph/content/farmers-fisherfolks-individuals-residing-rural-areas-and-children-posted-highest-poverty (last viewed 11/28/2021) 306 Consultations with Fisherfolks, supra note 148 307 FAO research, supra note 166 308 Consultations with Fisherfolks, supra note 148 309 “Women in Fisheries in the Philippines” by I.M. Siason, symposium paper for the University of the Philippines Visayas, available from pubs.iclarm.net/Pubs/Wif/wifasia/N4-06-Siason.pdf (last viewed 11/28/2021) 310 Consultations with Fisherfolks, supra note 148 311 Ibid.