I-Witness: ‘Isang Banyerang Isda’, dokumentaryo ni Kara David (full episode)

Brief Summary

This video documents the lives of fishermen in San Ramon, Rapu-apo, Bicol, focusing on a young boy named Biboy and his family. It shows their daily struggles with dwindling fish populations, the impact of destructive fishing practices like dynamiting, and their reliance on both traditional methods and risky ventures into the open sea. Despite the hardships, the community maintains hope and faith, celebrating their Penya Fransya festival and holding onto dreams for a better future.

• The video highlights the challenges faced by fishermen due to overfishing and destructive practices.
• It emphasizes the importance of education and the dreams of children like Biboy for a better future.
• The documentary showcases the community's resilience and faith amidst economic hardship.

Introduction

The video opens by depicting the lives of the people of San Ramon Island in Rapu-apo, Bicol, where their dreams are intertwined with the sea. The ocean provides sustenance but can also be harsh. The introduction sets the stage for understanding the challenges and realities of life in this coastal community.

Biboy's Story

Biboy, a 13-year-old boy, is the youngest of three siblings and is forced to work at sea to help his father. He sometimes skips school to assist his father, who struggles to catch fish and feels ignored when alone. Biboy's dedication to his family is evident as he prioritizes their needs over his education.

Traditional Fishing Methods

Biboy's father, Vicente, shares his experience of learning to fish at a young age. He recalls a time when fish were abundant and easy to catch. Now, they struggle to catch even a single fish after hours of work. They resort to a fishing method called "Woswos," where they agitate the water to drive fish into a net. Despite their efforts, the catch is meager, and the children earn very little, which is divided among the group.

Family Struggles

Biboy returns home with only PHP5, barely enough to buy rice and a few small fish. The video shows the living conditions of Biboy's family and introduces his younger brother, Jim Boy, who has a medical condition that they cannot afford to treat. This situation underscores Biboy's determination to earn money and support his family.

Woswos and Dynamite Fishing

Biboy and his friends use the "Woswos" method to catch squid, spending hours under the sun with little success. Vicente admits to using dynamite fishing in the past due to the scarcity of fish. He acknowledges the negative impact of this practice on the sea's bounty.

Fishing in the Open Sea

Due to the scarcity of fish near San Ramon Island, many fishermen venture into the open sea using a boat called a "taksay." They invest a significant amount of money in these trips, hoping to catch at least 10 tubs of fish to make a profit. The journey to the fishing buoy is long, and the fishermen express concern about the dwindling fish populations near their island.

Night Fishing

The fishermen use Petromax lamps to attract fish to a buoy covered with coconut leaves. After several hours, they cast their net around the buoy, hoping for a good catch. Despite their hard work, they only manage to catch one tub of fish, leaving them with little to no profit.

Return and Festival

The fishermen return to the beach with minimal earnings. Despite their struggles, the community participates in the Penya Fransya festival, expressing their faith and gratitude for their safe return. The Virgin of Salvation is honored as the protector of those who sail.

Biboy's Dream

Biboy attends school, where he dreams of becoming a police officer to stop dynamite fishing and help restore the fish population. The video concludes by reflecting on the interconnectedness of the people of San Ramon with the sea and the need to address the abuses that have led to its depletion.