50 DECEMBER • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG In Pamawaran for instance, oyster farmers are legally permitted to operate and continue their farming practices by obtaining official permission from their local government units (LGUs). However, there are no specific laws or policies in place to protect them from the risks posed by industrialization and climate change. When asked about government support, farmers mentioned that subsidies are rarely provided, leaving them to rely on their own resources and resilience to sustain their livelihoods. Government involvement remains minimal, leaving farmers largely to fend for themselves. Despite these growing challenges, oyster farming in Pamawaran remains a symbol of diligence, resilience, and sustainability. For generations, it has supported coastal communities and provided economic stability. The ecological benefits that these oysters bring to the local ecosystems they inhabit cannot be denied as well. As the landscape of the industry shifts, farmers continue to adapt, innovate, and preserve their traditions, ensuring that oyster farming remains a vital part of both their culture and the marine environment. In 2014, the 16th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines introduced House Bill No. 5197, an act proposing the establishment of research stations for the breeding and hatchery of high-value marine species within the municipality of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte (Senate of the Philippines Legislative Reference Bureau, 2014). This legislative initiative recognizes the strategic potential of the region’s aquatic resources in contributing to national food security and economic development. The establishment of research facilities, as outlined in the bill, would serve as a platform for developing innovative aquaculture technologies and sustainable farming practices. These advancements are envisioned to be adapted in suitable coastal locations across the country, supporting the broader goals of responsible resource management and industry competitiveness (Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, n.d.). However, while policy initiatives such as House Bill No. 5197 mark significant progress, there remains a pressing need for wider-reaching and inclusive legislative support. Many small-scale aquaculture farmers continue to face challenges, such as limited access to subsidies, vulnerability to industrial encroachment, and exposure to environmental disasters. Comprehensive policies that address these concerns including land and resource protection, disaster risk management, and long-term financial support, are essential for sustaining the livelihoods of coastal communities and ensuring the growth of the aquaculture sector. Beyond policy and infrastructure, industry voices have increasingly found ways to express the lived realities of aquaculture workers. One oyster farmer from Pamawaran said, “We are documenting everything now. The way we grow, harvest, and protect these oysters. Maybe one day, when these waters are no longer ours or when storms take everything, there will be something left for the next generation to see. This is our story, even if no one else is watching.” Such words reflect both resilience and quiet apprehension. Behind them is the burden of imminent threats such as rapid industrialization, environmental degradation, and worsening climate events. Yet, they also reveal a deep-rooted connection to place, tradition, and livelihood, turning these simple records into valuable social testimonies and enduring narratives for the future. Ultimately, the promise of aquaculture lies not only in its economic contributions but also in its capacity to deliver ecological benefits and social resilience. Achieving a balance between production efficiency and environmental stewardship will be pivotal in securing a sustainable future for both marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Notes Michael S. Candelaria, Kathleen Harris Kin B. Ybanez and Janice A. Ragaza, Department of Biology, School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1108. * Corresponding author: jragaza@ateneo.edu References AKRF. (2023, August 15). Restoring the role of oysters as ecosystem engineers. https://www.akrf.com/perspectives/ restoring-the-role-of-oysters-as-ecosystem-engineers/ Andrews, L. S. (2005). Shellfish Growing Water Classification. https://doi.org/10.1002/047147844X.WQ1512 Beck, M. W., Brumbaugh, R. D., Airoldi, L., Carranza, A., Coen, L. D., Crawford, C., ... & Guo, X. (2011). Oyster reefs at risk and recommendations for conservation, restoration, and management. BioScience, 61(2), 107-116. https://doi.org/10.1525/bio.2011.61.2.5 Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. (2023). 2022 Philippine Fisheries Profile. Department of Agriculture. https://www.bfar. FIGURE 6. Bamboo stakes (locally known as pamaraan) used for suspending oysters tied with nylon lines. These stakes extend several meters and are arranged in clusters distributed across different sections of the river. While this traditional method supports effective oyster grow-out, it remains vulnerable to environmental threats such as water pollution and typhoons, which frequently affect aquaculture operations in the Philippines. Photo credit: Kathleen Ybanez.
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