The study evaluated the socioeconomic condition of fishermen in the coastal municipalities in the Bangsamoro. The respondents of the study were the beneficiaries of the Integrated Livelihood Assistance Program for the fishing communities. The variables included in this study were the demographic profile of the respondents, the technical assistance and livelihood assistance programs of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Frequency count, percent, and mean had been used for the description of the variables of the study, likewise, correlation and regression analysis was used to determine relationship of the variables of the study.
Results revealed that the mean age of the respondents is 42.64 year old; having a family size of 6.39; have 21.79 years for the mean years in fishing; and had an average monthly income of P5, 414.70. As to technical assistance, the fisherfolks were seldom given with technical assistance program. Meanwhile, livelihood assistance was given with moderate support in alleviating their socio-economic condition and development of the fisherfolks. It was also found out that the fisherfolks have somewhat positive knowledge learned, skills acquired and attitudes towards the assistance programs in alleviating their socio-economic condition and development. Meanwhile, it was also posted that there is a significant correlation between the knowledge, skills acquired and attitudes of the fisherfolk and the extent of technical and livelihood assistance programs. Moreover, the knowledge learned, skills acquired and attitudes of the fisherfolks significantly influence their fishing activities.
Assistance programs should be strengthened in implementing to the fisherfolks. Regular monitoring and evaluation of assistance programs should be done to have the impact of the programs in alleviating the socio-economic conditions of the fisherfolks. Similar study should be conducted to attain a more comprehensive result.