Impact of Tourism-Driven Development on Fisherfolk in Puro, Legazpi City

A contentious relationship exists between the local government and the fisherfolk in Puro, Legazpi City. The fisherfolk are dissatisfied with the inconsistent accommodation of their demands amidst infrastructure changes driven by tourism. The local government's strong focus on tourism overshadowed the needs of the fishing community, leading to an imbalance of priorities. Although consultations were held, they primarily focused on tourism, neglecting specific fishing community concerns, and initial accommodations lacked follow-up and resolution, resulting in inadequate support.

The local government acted as a facilitating actor in development, constructing infrastructure that altered traditional fishing practices. Dialogues were conducted prior to construction to address concerns, but fisherfolk often remained unsatisfied with the process and outcomes. Infrastructural developments created hardships for fisherfolk, including increased competition in selling catches, contention over docking areas due to an influx of outsiders, and environmental degradation such as declining water quality and coral destruction.

The development reshaped the socio-political environment in the fishing community. Politically, some fisherfolk became actively involved in decision-making processes, forming alliances and rallying their concerns. However, others remained apathetic, feeling they lacked influence and preferring to follow government directives as long as their basic needs were met. The fisherfolk association provided assistance to stabilize the community. Local government development plans were central to changes, but the fisherfolk's demands, though acted upon, remained inconsistently addressed and lacking.

The fishing community made drastic adjustments to their way of life and livelihood due to government-led development. Logistical and financial problems made fishing challenging, leading to a trend of discontinuation in fishing activities. Many fisherfolk shifted to alternative livelihoods, becoming construction helpers or community roles like barangay tanod. Despite difficult circumstances, some remained resilient without alternative means. The tourism-centric goals of the local government prioritized business spaces, recreation, and beautification, overshadowing the fishing community's demands and resulting in inadequate support and unresolved issues.