47 b. c. d. e. had limited time and in turn, limited income at the height of the pandemic. 360 Before the pandemic, the participants reported a range of income of around 600 to 1,000 PHP. Majority of the participants described their income as being cut to half or none at all during the lockdowns. Another reason for the depleted income was that they had difficulties in bringing their catch to the markets. Quarantine restrictions resulted in closed markets and closure of entry and exit points at municipal boundaries. They had to settle in selling their catch within their community, or bartering them for other goods or necessities. In the markets, they had to compete with commercial fishers which meant they had to lower the prices of their catch in order to sell it. While majority of the participants reported alternative sources of income during the pandemic (e.g farming, aquaculture, online selling), those who had none resorted to loans from microfinance institutions or from informal loan facilities with exorbitant interests like “lending” or “5-6” just to make ends meet. The participants describe varying experiences in receiving cash grants from the SAP of the government. There were participants who were not able to get the emergency cash subsidy at all while some have lamented that it took a long time for them to receive it. Others have detailed how some of the members of their organization were not able to get SAP, so they had to share the subsidies that they received among all of their members.361 It is unfortunate that, while SAP was given, it was not enough to compensate for their daily subsistence for the duration of the quarantine especially for families with several members. Majority of them describe a positive experience when it comes to LGU support when they get infected with the COVID-19 virus. They detailed receiving food packs, hygiene kits, and even cash grants. 12. The continued threats to the livelihood of artisanal fisherfolks have other adverse effects other than those mentioned above. The consultations revealed that their children, mainly their sons, do not want to continue their trade because of the low derived income and because competition with commercial fishing operations drives them to other jobs. 362 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. 13. The gender dynamics in fishing communities were also observed to be changing, with more and more women taking on the roles of their male counterparts by joining them in fish catching activities – long considered a male-dominated practice particularly in the country. Gender inequality issues were also observed, with a female participant reporting that she was not allowed to become a fish warden because she was a woman. These instances highlight discrimination against women who wishes to become fish warden. a. There are also additional burdens 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 stigma on their roles, and sadly, their contributions to the sector are rendered invisible. 360 Consultations with Fisherfolks, supra note 148 361 Ibid. 362 Ibid.