The Natural Capital Accounting of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems in the West Philippine Sea project team led by Dr. Canesio D. Predo and Dr. Asa Jose U. Sajise conducted a focus group discussion (FGD) and pre-test survey at Cavite City, Cavite.
The FGD was participated by representatives from various fisherfolk associations in Cavite City, staff from the City Agriculture Office and the City Planning and Development Office, and representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard. The FGD aimed to collect data that will complement survey results and findings. Subsequently, the project team conducted a pre-test survey among selected fishermen in Brgy. 48-A, Cavite City. Through this pre-test survey, the project team was able to identify necessary revisions in the survey instrument prior to the survey proper.
In addition, the project team also made a courtesy call to Cavite City Mayor, Hon. Denver Christopher R. Chua, and to City Agriculture Officer, Engr. Frederick Sierra. They expressed their gratitude and support to the project team for including their city as one of the project sites.
![](https://inrem.dev.uplb.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/FGD-Proper-1024x575.jpg)
Through the FGD, the project team was able to extract initial findings on the coastal habitats, proposed marine protected areas, coastal resources management, and municipal and commercial fishing activities in the area. In particular, the FGD participants provided valuable insights on the gears used and major species harvested in capture fishing, aquaculture, and gleaning activities. These inputs, together with the results of the pre-test survey, were used establishing a general picture of the fisheries sector in the city and in refining project research instruments. (Pauline Cielo Palma – University Research Associate II, UPLB INREM)