Access and Rights to Water Resources in Quezon, Philippines

This case study features the previous and present experiences of small-scale fisherfolk in the marine resource-rich municipalities of Infanta and Polillo Group of Islands, Quezon Province. It highlights the struggles of fisherfolk communities in securing their fishing rights when these were inhibited by the establishment of illegal fishpens. This also illustrates the power of collective action in asserting rights and demanding responsible governance. Furthermore, it underlines conflicts and overlaps in existing laws which further restrain small fisherfolk’s access to water resources.

Access and Rights to Water Resources in Infanta and Polilio Group of Islands, Quezon was prepared by PhilDHRRA for the project “Mainstreaming Voluntary Guidelines on Governance of Tenure,” implemented by ANGOC and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.  PhilDHRRA and ANGOC express our thanks to Infanta Community Development Assistance Incorporated (ICDAI), the Institute for Social Order (ISO), the fisherfolk organizations, local government units and line agencies that contributed to the preparation of this study.

The views and information provided in this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of FAO.