Women's Participation in the Conservation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAS) in San Juan, Batangas

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The topography of San Juan, Batangas made it obtained the highest number of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the province. Last 2013, the municipality was awarded for having the Best MPA Initiative by the BRAVO MPAs. It indicates that the municipality is empowering the communities to help in conserving its MPAs. However, it is imperative that this initiative should be inclusive and participatory among its constituents, especially women. As such, this study aimed at determining the extent of involvement of women in conserving the MPAs of San Juan, Batangas.

METHODS

This study used the descriptive-correlational method with the questionnaire as a research instrument. The respondents were 287 women of San Juan, Batangas residing near the declared MPAs of the municipality; obtained through purposive sampling. The researcher sought the approval of the authorities before personally administering the research instrument used.

RESULTS

As revealed in the study, there are 13 MPAs in San Juan, Batangas divided into three categories; marine sanctuary (507 hectares), marine reserves (209 hectares), and mangrove forest conservation area (262 hectares). It also revealed that 43% of the women-respondents are in age ranging from 21 to 40; 63.07% are married; 52.96 are high school graduates; 51.22% are unemployed, and 33.45% are not members of any civic-related organization. On the other hand, the respondents have enough knowledge about MPAs based on the generated composite mean of 2.92. However, they are not aware that there are 13 MPAs in the municipality. Women in San Juan, Batangas are also slightly participating in initiatives relative to protecting and preserving its MPAs as evident on the generated average composite mean of 2.22. Joining local MPA-related organizations is the least participated. Using paired sample t-Test, this study revealed that there are significant differences in the women's participation in protecting the MPAs when grouped according to their profile. It is evident on the obtained p-values lower than 0.05 level of significance.

DISCUSSIONS

The study revealed that most of the respondents are in age ranging from 21 to 40, married, high school graduates, unemployed, and are not members of the civic-related organization. They have enough knowledge about MPAs; however, they must be educated more about the MPAs in their municipality. They are also slightly participating in initiatives relative to conserving it. As such, joining local MPA-related organizations must be emphasized among women.