Fed up with the broken promises and realizing that they have no more time to waste, a fishermen’s group in Panglao embarked on a livelihood program. Members of Kalamdag, an organization of fishermen and their families in at least three villages in Panglao, yesterday gathered at the Panglao Island Convention Center primarily to affirm their membership and to commit to the group’s vision and mission. Kalamdag, light in the vernacular, is the acronym for Kapunongan Alang sa Maayong Dagan sa Kinaiyahan, Kalambuan ug Kabuhian sa Lungsod sa Panglao. In its vision statement, Kalamdag says it is composed of people who look after the environment, seeks the development of the people and provide opportunities for livelihood. For its mission, Kalamdag members vowed to be responsible stewards of natural resources so that succeeding generations can still make use of them, generate activities for community development and provide work and livelihood opportunities to achieve dignity in life.

In addition to that, however, the members were briefed about the mechanics of a livelihood program that would support their fishing activities while stressing the need for them to abide by the laws of the land. Among the personalities invited to grace the occasion were Rep. Rene Relampagos of the first district and party-list Representatives Crescente Paez and June Alcover.  The members and the guests were welcomed by Tirso Cloma, Kalamdag president, while Barangay Danao project coordinator Nick Loremia gave the rationale. Development facilitator Alberto Romoc presented the project rules and responsibilities.  Relampagos, who was invited to administer the oath, was also asked to give his message along with Paez and Alcover. Civic leader Norris Oculam also gave an inspirational talk while Kalamdag vice president Severino Arboleras gave the closing remarks.  According to the fishermen, they have decided to take matters into their own hands after realizing that they cannot expect anything from politicians and businessmen.

They pointed out that while there is so much talk about the so-called tourism boom in Panglao, the mainstream fishermen and their families remain marginalize and powerless. “They only remember us during elections but forget all about us as soon as they are elected,” one of the leaders said in Cebuano.  Another Kalamdag officer pointed out that while the tourism industry welcomes guests and visitors with open arms, the fishermen are slowly being eased out. “They are closing their resorts to our bancas and to us which deprive us of the only source of livelihood that we know,” he added. While some residents are employed in the resorts mostly as wage-earners, most of the locals are left out in the equation. “Few people listen to our problems and concern about what happens to us and our families,” another resident pointed out.

Kalamdag seeks to address the fishermen’s concerns but more importantly distributes fishing gears to them so they can make a living no matter how modest. “Where are the politicians, the businessmen, the environmentalists, the NGOs?” they asked. The members said that from now on, they will not allow outsiders to tell them what is good for them. They only remember us when they want us to do something for them like vote for them,” they added. Kalamdag seeks to address the urgent needs of the local residents and not other alien issues that do not concern them. “We do not need people from other places coming to Panglao and telling us what is good for us and what we need to do,” a Kalamdag officer said.

He added that they are tired of the hypocrisy of people who express concern for the environment but do not do anything about the harmful environmental practices and violations of environmental laws that are going on. They also warned other “outside forces” who intend to visit the town and impose their own perceptions and opinions on the local residents. “They should not abuse our hospitality because it is only for those who respect us but not those who think they know better than us,” they added.  Kalamdag said many people who preach people empowerment are the ones who violate this because they think they have the power to decide for other people. “How would they feel if we go to their homes and tell them what is good for them and what they need to do?” a member asked.