Establishing a Conservation-Friendly Livelihood: The Case of Lato Farming in Rizal, Magsaysay, Palawan, Philippines

Rosario  del Rosario,; Genevieve   Fernandez–Nagales,; Maria Rosario Aynon  Gonzales,; Marjorie  Española,; Hermenegildo  Dela Peña,; Michael   Pido,

Establishing a Conservation-Friendly Livelihood: The Case of Lato Farming in Rizal, Magsaysay, Palawan, Philippines

Abstract:

This study describes certain aspects of the lato (Caulerpa lentillefera) production by Barangay Rizal in Magsaysay, Palawan, as a livelihood, with conservation goals. The majority of lato growers have elementary and secondary education, and there was good income in this livelihood. The lato farmers aspired to have a stable market and stable market price throughout the year for their produce and find ways to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive rain draining into their lato farms. The existing associations of lato farmers were functional, served their members' needs, and were instrumental in achieving common goals. Through sustained support of this community initiative, the Local Government Unit can sustain these associations through various support programs and linkages to various organizations and groups to improve their livelihood. Furthermore, the associations’ vigilant protection of their environment is recommended to sustain their livelihood and provide a possible replication model in other suitable lato farming areas.

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