Thesis (BS Agribusiness Economics) -- University of the Philippines Mindanao, July 2022

Fishing is an important economic river of growth as it provides livelihood, food security and contributes positively to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite the importance of fishing in the Philippines, fisherfolks remain to be poorest. Moreover, policies, like closed season fishing pose a challenge to the livelihood of fisherfolks. Moreover, fisherfolks need an alternative livelihood during the closed season period. To sustain their livelihood tourism has been seen as a viable alternative. This study identified and evaluated the factors affecting the willingness of fisherfolks to participate in tourism-related activities in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur and Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental, Philippines, and assessed the implications of the factors affecting willingness to participate to coastal resource management. Factors affecting willingness to participate were identified with the use of binary logistic regression. Results showed that in Sta. Cruz, awareness of Davao Gulf, household size and household income positively affected willingness to participate whereas, distance from nearest resort to fishing ground, education and number of children negatively affected willingness to participate. In Sta. Maria, positive perception of the closed season ordinance, distance from nearest resort to fishing ground, number of children and boat ownership had a positive effect on willingness to participate whereas, perceived no change in fish catch, marital status, household size, recipient of government assistance and distance from residence to alternate fishing grounds and boat ownership negatively affected willingness to participate. It was also found that a number of fishers although willing to participate in tourism activities were still involved in fishing activities during the closed season this further supports the claim that fishing can be seen rather as a supplemental livelihood than an alternative.