Alabat strengthens fisherfolk development through I-HELP program

By Rowena T. Cruz I-HELP participants raise their hands during a SWOT analysis workshop in Barangay Angeles, Alabat, as part of the Integrat...

By Rowena T. Cruz

I-HELP participants raise their hands during a SWOT analysis workshop in Barangay Angeles, Alabat, as part of the Integrated Health and Livelihood Program aimed at strengthening fisherfolk livelihoods and community resilience. (Alabat PIO)

ALABAT, Quezon — Fishermen and barangay officials in Alabat recently attended separate I-HELP orientations as the local government advanced the program's implementation. The sessions included a SWOT analysis for the Alabat Fisherfolks Association and a project briefing for barangay officials in Angeles.

The orientations formed part of a two-year partnership between the municipal government of Alabat and CARE Philippines. The program seeks to strengthen livelihoods, public health, and climate resilience in selected communities across the island municipality.



Fishing remains a major source of livelihood in Alabat, making fisherfolk development a key component of the I-HELP program. Located on Alabat Island in Lamon Bay, the municipality relies heavily on marine-based livelihoods.

As part of the program, members of the Alabat Fisherfolks Association attended a project orientation followed by a SWOT analysis of the fishing sector. The exercise aimed to identify gaps and guide livelihood interventions.

Mayor Eizelle “Ays” M. Avellano-Canimo said the municipality wants fishing communities to become more prepared for economic and environmental risks. She said the fishing sector remains an important source of income for many families in Alabat.

“Ang sektor ng pangisdaan ay isa sa mga pangunahing haligi ng ating lokal na ekonomiya. Sa pamamagitan ng oryentasyong ito at SWOT Analysis, tinutulungan natin ang ating mga mangingisda na mapalago ang kanilang kita at maging handa sa mga sakuna,” Avellano-Canimo said.

The municipal government also conducted a separate orientation for members of the Sangguniang Barangay of Angeles. The session outlined the program’s objectives, implementation process, and the role of barangay officials in monitoring activities.

Barangay Angeles is among five pilot communities selected for the program's rollout. Data gathered during the orientation and assessment activities will help shape interventions planned over the two-year implementation period.

Successful implementation in the pilot communities will depend on participation from local organizations and barangay leaders. Avellano-Canimo said cooperation among residents, fisherfolk groups, and barangay officials remains critical to the program’s implementation.

“Ang tagumpay ng I-HELP ay nakasalalay sa pagkakaisa ng ating pamayanan. Habang ang ating fisherfolks ay nagpaplano sa kanilang kabuhayan, ang Sangguniang Barangay naman ang magsisilbing gabay sa tamang direksyon ng implementasyon sa Barangay Angeles,” Avellano-Canimo said.

Findings from the SWOT analysis will be used to identify priority needs and interventions for the fisherfolk association. The results will help guide program activities in Barangay Angeles during the two-year implementation period.