Gleaning fisheries, locally known as ‘pamumulot’ or ‘panginhas,’ is the collection of marine resources along coastal areas. It serves as a crucial food source and livelihood for many coastal communities, particularly women and children. While this small-scale fishery is accessible and provides essential nutrition, it also poses risks of overexploitation and biodiversity loss.
Recognizing the challenge, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) spearheads the project, "Socio-Ecological Assessment of the Invertebrate Gleaning Fisheries in the Philippines Towards Evidence-Based Sustainable Resource Governance (GleanPhil Program)."
The GleanPhil Program aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic, cultural, demographic, and ecological conditions of invertebrate gleaning fisheries in the Philippines. Using a multidisciplinary approach, it will assess the population dynamics of key invertebrate species and examine existing governance frameworks for conservation and utilization. The goal is to recommend science-informed policy measures that promote the long-term sustainability of gleaning fisheries in the country.
Led by Dr. Venus E. Leopardas of Mindanao State University (MSU) at Naawan, the program has three key projects: Project 1, led by Dr. Leopardas, examines the socio-demographics, fisheries production, and food security aspects of gleaning fisheries in coastal communities; Project 2, led by Dr. Karen A. Villarta-Lane of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), addresses the ecological impacts of gleaning on marine biodiversity, emphasizing sustainable practices; and Project 3, led by Dr. Alice Joan Ferrer of UPV, assesses the value chain and governance mechanisms of gleaning fisheries to identify gaps in policy and recommend improvements.
During the program’s inception meeting on March 24, 2025, the project leaders outlined their strategic directions for their respective projects. Representatives from various DOST-PCAARRD divisions attended the meeting, along with external evaluators Dr. Albert P. Aquino, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Advisor for USAID, Dr. Mudjekeewis D. Santos of DA-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, and Dr. Anthony S. Ilano of Cebu Technological University – Carmen Campus. Key discussions emphasized the importance of a structured policy mapping framework, aligning data collection with policy objectives, and continuous stakeholder engagement to enhance the effectiveness of governance recommendations. Additionally, the integrating social, biodiversity, and value chain components were highlighted as crucial for strengthening the program’s policy impact.
The program has already achieved significant milestones including its official launch and method standardization workshop on March 10-12, 2025, as well as initial engagements with local government units (LGUs) and related agencies.
Moving forward, DOST-PCAARRD hopes to refine methodologies, strengthen stakeholder partnerships, and ensure that policy recommendations effectively support the sustainability of gleaning fisheries in the Philippines.
Through continued research, collaboration, and policy development, the program aspires to establish long-term solutions that empower local stakeholders, safeguard marine biodiversity, and enhance food security.