The project team conducted a three-day data collection activity in Compostela, Cebu last 14-16 April 2026 as part of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST PCAARD)-funded project titled “Participatory Approach in Assessing and Promoting Women-led Permaculture among Selected Permaculture Sites in the Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) Sectors in the Philippines.”

The data collection activities were conducted in Compostela Cebu, such in the Compostela Municipal Hall, Brgy. Estaca, and Climate Foundation. This site was selected to represent the permaculture occurring in the aquatic ecosystem. Through this activity, the team gathered information on the unique characteristics of marine permaculture practiced by institutional stakeholders and community-based practitioners.

This activity was supervised by Asst. Prof. Maria Lourdes Jarabe, PhD, FMDS Diploma in Women and Development (DWD) Program Chair and Director of UPOU Office of Gender Concerns (OGC), together with the project staff members, Dr. Jabez Joshua Flores, UPOU Senior Lecturer and permaculture consultant, Raizza Anna Alforja and John Albert Casin, Project Staff. 

Specifically, the team conducted key informant interviews (KIIs) among the offices of Municipality of Compostela, including the Office of the Mayor, Municipal Tourism Office, Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Gender and Development (GAD) Office, Sangguniang Kabataan Office, Municipal Local Government Operations Office (MLGOO). This interaction provided an overview of the initiatives of the local government units as to the sustainability among the coastal communities in the area.

Following the KIIs, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with the Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (BFARMC) and Women’s Association of Brgy. Estaca. The team was joined by Nestor Campaner, Municipal Agriculturist, along with MAO staff, Roche Carrillo, Daveson Nudalo, Gemma Cantunao to better facilitate the flow of discussion among the participants. This discussion gave emphasis on the daily activities of fisherfolk, as well as the organizational obstacles encountered by the women’s association of Brgy. Estaca.

Concluding the activity, the team visited the Climate Foundation to appreciate the innovativeness of their Marine Permaculture Array. It introduces technology to better facilitate seaweed production in the sea, which augments habitats for aquatic species, helping neighboring fisherfolk to have better yield. While the organization is still ongoing with their research and development, it just shows the possibilities of sustainability in the marine ecosystem.

Ultimately, Compostela, Cebu, as a research site, does not showcase permaculture initiatives similar to those on land. It offers a new system approach that brings challenges and opportunities to further knowledge on permaculture within the AANR sectors. Lastly, this project aims to contribute to the fulfillment of the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SDG 14: Life Below Water
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Written by: John Albert Casin • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals