Report on Women’s Livelihoods and Sustainable Development in Sasmuan, Pampanga

Introduction

In the tropical coastal zone of Sasmuan, Pampanga, women play a crucial role in sustaining their communities by engaging in activities such as mending fishing nets, sorting daily catches, and preparing harvests for the market. This report highlights their contributions and challenges, emphasizing the importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in promoting environmental conservation and socio-economic resilience.

Women’s Livelihoods and Environmental Challenges

Women like Christina Guevarra actively participate in the local fishing economy, particularly during the peak season from February to May. However, the onset of the rainy season forces many to seek alternative income sources. The community’s dependence on the Sasmuan Pampanga coastal wetlands, part of a watershed draining into Manila Bay, is threatened by:

• Declining fish populations
• Environmental degradation
• Pollution and poor waste management
• Unsustainable fishing and aquaculture practices

These issues jeopardize biodiversity and the local economy, highlighting the need for integrated environmental management aligned with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) Project

The IRBM Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), collaborates with the Provincial Government of Pampanga and local groups to promote sustainable practices. The project focuses on:

1. Conserving waterways and wetlands
2. Improving waste management and pollution control
3. Empowering vulnerable communities, especially women

This initiative supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Women’s Economic Activities and Social Impact

Waste Segregation and Environmental Stewardship

Women such as Edna Bilacog and Rose Ann Tungol work at Materials Recovery Facilities, sorting household waste to reduce pollution. Although their wages are below the local minimum, their work is vital for community health and environmental sustainability, contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Traditional Crafts and Fisheries

Maricar Guevarra, a skilled net weaver, earns income through repairing fishing nets, while other women lead the crab trade by preparing blue swimming crabs for market. These activities support local food security and cultural heritage, aligning with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Entrepreneurship and Diversification

Women’s groups engage in innovative enterprises such as producing atchara (pickled sea purslane) and crab paste businesses. These ventures provide alternative income sources and improve household resilience. Patricia Culala’s crab paste business, for example, has enabled her to support her children’s education, advancing SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 1 (No Poverty).

Challenges and Recommendations

Despite their resilience, women face ongoing challenges including low wages, environmental threats, and limited enforcement of waste management policies. To ensure sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem health, the following actions are recommended:

• Implement fair wage policies to improve economic security (SDG 8)
• Enhance community-led conservation and sustainable resource management (SDG 14 and SDG 15)
• Strengthen enforcement of environmental regulations and waste management (SDG 12)
• Promote gender-inclusive development programs to empower women (SDG 5)

Conclusion

The women of Sasmuan exemplify resilience and innovation in the face of environmental and economic challenges. Their livelihoods are intricately linked to the health of the coastal wetlands and river systems. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through integrated management and community empowerment is essential to safeguarding these ecosystems and improving the quality of life for present and future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article highlights the economic challenges faced by women and families dependent on fishing and related activities, indicating poverty issues.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality – Women play a central role in the livelihoods described, including fishing, net mending, waste segregation, and small businesses, emphasizing women’s empowerment and economic participation.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The article discusses pollution and poor waste management affecting the river and coastal wetlands.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article mentions employment in waste segregation, traditional crafts, and small businesses, highlighting issues of fair wages and sustainable livelihoods.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Waste management and sustainable practices are key themes.
6. SDG 14: Life Below Water – The health of the coastal wetlands, fish populations, and aquatic biodiversity is a major concern.
7. SDG 15: Life on Land – The article touches on watershed management and biodiversity conservation in coastal wetlands.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 1 – No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: Reduce poverty in all its dimensions, including vulnerable groups such as women in coastal communities.
2. SDG 5 – Gender Equality
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels.
   • Target 5.a: Enhance the use of enabling technology to promote women’s empowerment.
3. SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
   • Target 6.5: Implement integrated water resources management at all levels.
4. SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
   • Target 8.7: Eradicate forced labor, modern slavery, and child labor.
5. SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
6. SDG 14 – Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing.
7. SDG 15 – Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 1 Indicators
   • Proportion of population living below the national poverty line (implied by discussion of low wages and economic hardship).
2. SDG 5 Indicators
   • Proportion of women in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector (implied by women’s participation in waste segregation, crafts, and small businesses).
   • Access to economic resources and ownership (implied by women-led businesses).
3. SDG 6 Indicators
   • Water quality indicators such as levels of pollution and waste in the river and coastal wetlands (implied by mention of pollution and waste management challenges).
   • Implementation of integrated water resources management (implied by the IRBM project).
4. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Employment rate and average wages in local communities (implied by wage data for waste segregators and craft workers).
   • Proportion of informal employment (implied by off-season labor and small-scale economic activities).
5. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Amount of waste recycled and properly managed (implied by the Materials Recovery Facility activities).
6. SDG 14 Indicators
   • Fish stock levels and biodiversity status in coastal wetlands (implied by concerns over dwindling fish populations and unsustainable aquaculture).
7. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Extent of wetland area conserved and restored (implied by conservation efforts in the watershed and wetlands).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: news.un.org