Stories
Creating safe space for communication in the time of COVID-19
It was the second quarter of 2020, the start of the nationwide quarantine due to COVID-19. While Moro communities were observing Ramadan, the quarantine restrictions had made it more challenging for…
BFDE startups hope to boost their enterprise through social media
The SMARTSeas PH Project has given 21 peoples’ organizations the chance to develop their Biodiversity Friendly Enterprise (BDFE) through Low Value Grant Agreements. While many of the associations have…
Common words for peace
If there is one thing that binds the Moro communities despite cultural differences, it is faith. And if there are people who can be effective instruments of peace, these are the faith-based leaders.
Upcycling for a profitable and zero waste biodiversity-friendly enterprise
Upcycling is giving a second life and a new function to an old material that is no longer being used. This practice helps MVFFF incorporate its advocacy of protecting and conserving marine…
Strategic partnership boosts people's organization's biodiversity-friendly enterprise in Samal Island
Located within Davao Gulf, the Island Garden City of Samal boasts of its pristine white sand beaches and clean waters. The strong partnership between the people’s organizations (POs) and the local…
Keeping the 'dagyaw' spirit alive among Pinoy fisherfolks
Dagyaw is the Bisaya/Hiligaynon term for bayanihan, the Filipino tradition of working together to achieve a shared goal. Through the technical assistance provided by the DENR-SMARTSeas PH project to…
Fisherfolk group starts the journey to financial literacy through a savings program
The Filipino proverb “Kapag may isinuksok, may madudukot” underscores the importance of saving for life’s unexpected expenses. The members of the United Fishermen’s Association of Capiñahan (UFAC) in…
Recovery through Resilient Livelihoods: The Fisherfolks of Bacacay
When 64-year-old fisher Julian Bata and his wife woke up in the wee hours of the morning on November 1, 2020, they were drawn into sharp consciousness by the violent howling of the wind against their…
Building resilience to cope with climate change
How do enterprises bounce back from challenges brought about by a disaster or a calamity? Two people’s organizations (PO) supported by the DENR-SMARTSeas PH project demonstrated resilience as they…
Fisherfolks' two-decade crusade against marine degradation
In 1995, some fishermen in Barangay Tigao, Cortes, Surigao del Sur, formed a group to end the illegal fishing activities in their community. Suzette Canda-Plaza shared that her brother led the…
