This document summarizes research conducted with fisherfolk living around Laguna de Bay, the largest inland body of water in the Philippines. The researchers employed participatory methods, asking locals to demonstrate through actions and exercises their daily lives and knowledge rather than just describing them. Some key findings include identification of different fish species caught, daily routines demonstrated through exercises, and how the fisherfolk's lives and knowledge validate their resilience and connection to nature. The researchers reflect on how further empowering the fisherfolk community is important for their survival and role in the lake's future.

2. “ Layag”
Life and Making a Living Through the lens of
the Common Fisherfolks
Report Authors: Edward Perez 1, Cielo Santos 2, Gerald Roche 3, Janice
Forster 4, Clint Alvior 5
Institution: Artist, Inc. 1, De La Salle-Canlubang 2, Qinghai Normal
University 3 Silliman University 4, St. Paul University Dumaguete 5
Website: http://people.audrn.com
Email: tanyahamog@yahoo.com, cielolimsonsantos@gmail.com,
gjroche@gmail.com, jv_forster@yahoo.com, clintalvior@yahoo.com

3. Area/Scope of Field Work
We conducted research with the fisherfolk of Laguna de Bay, the
Philippine’s largest inland body of fresh water.
We spoke primarily with elder men (in their forties and older).
Conducting research with women, children, and younger men would
broaden our findings.

4. Methodology
1. ACTIONS before WORDS…
We employed a PERFORMATIVE APPROACH to learning and
knowledge. We asked locals to SHOW through actions, expressions,
gestures, narratives, and decisions what they need to DO and KNOW in
their daily life. This opened our investigation to new forms of knowledge
and allowed our consultants to employ alternative means of expressions.

5. 2. FORMS before CONTENT
We began by asking, "Please show us what you do in your daily routine,"
instead of, "Tell us about different fish species or fishing techniques.” We
then investigated in greater depth the knowledge and actions that locals
showed us were SIGNIFICANT aspects of their daily practice. In this way
we tried to uncover not only the substantive CONTENT of local
knowledge but also to develop an appreciation of its FORM.
WE TRIED TO UNDERSTAND TWO COMPLIMENTARY ASPECTS:
KNOWLEDGE AND ITS LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE

6. Findings/Results/Learnings

7. Biological Composition

8. • ilapia
T
Oreochromis niloticus
• ilapiang Talisay, Gloria Tilapia
T
Hybrid
Oreochromis mossambicus x

10. • angus
B
Chanos chanos
• aya maya / Mamale / Imelda
M
Aristichthys nobilis

11. Ayungin – Therapon plumbues
Dalag – Ophicephalus striatus
Kanduli / hito – Arius manillensis

12. Janitor Fish – Hypostomus plecostomus
Knife Fish – Chitala ornata

13. Hipon – Macrobenthic lenceifrons
Bubo for catching
small hipon

14. Findings/Results/Learnings
Exercise 1:Line up according to age.

15. Findings/Results/Learnings
Exercise 2: Line up according to the proximity of your house to the
lake, (from the farthest to the nearest).

16. Findings/Results/Learnings
Exercise 3: Line up according to number of family members you
have.

17. Findings/Results/Learnings
Exercise 4: Give me the shape
of a fishing implement that you
use.

18. Findings/Results/Learnings
Exercise 5: Give me the shape of a fish that you catch.

19. Findings/Results/Learnings
Exercise 6: In the form of a picture show your present life as a
fisher folk.

20. Findings/Results/Learnings
Exercise 7: In the form of a picture show what you would have done
5 minutes previous to the first picture you showed.

21. Applications/Outputs

22. Applications/Outputs
Validate resiliency of fisher folk
• amboo – represents dominance of elite
B
against them (fishpens); but also bamboo is
an instrument to catch fish (pambubog).
• ishing net – big fishing industry (fish pen);
F
shows community effort (use of nets to catch
and haul fishes).

23. • Filipinos harmonizing with nature
• Validates respect for pagmamalasakit (care) at pakikipagkapwa
(concept of community or not being an isolated human being)
• concern for the family and community; e.g. goes beyond
immediate family but extends to grandchildren;
• non-linear use of space is an example of how fisherfolks’ concern
goes beyond the family and how such concern is all about
communing with people around the environment.

24. Insights and Reflection

25. Empowerment is a key issue both in our study and for the community.
1. We empowered the community to express their concerns
rather than asking them to merely report on our concerns.
2. Further empowerment is essential for the community’s
survival, particularly in recognition of their role as key-
stakeholders in the lake and its future

26. Insights and Reflection
These people remain to be fisherfolks because the lake is the
resource nearest to them;
Fisherfolks will remain in their deplorable situation unless they are
empowered in the true sense of the word (fishing ports, ferry
systems,etc).

28. Thank you!
Maraming Salamat!
Daghang Salamat!
Damo gid nga Salamat!
Muchos Gracias!
Report Authors: Edward Perez 1, Cielo Santos 2, Gerald Roche 3, Janice
Forster 4, Clint Alvior 5
Institution: Artist, Inc. 1, De La Salle, Canlubang 2, Qinghai Normal
University 3 Silliman University 4, St. Paul University Dumaguete 5
Website: http://people.audrn.com
Email: tanyahamog@yahoo.com, cielolimsonsantos@gmail.com,
gjroche@gmail.com, jv_forster@yahoo.com, clintalvior@yahoo.com