DOrSU Hosts Balik Scientist Training on Fishers’ Ecological Knowledge
Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) hosted a training on “Understanding Lake Ecosystem Using Fishers’ Ecological Knowledge and Qualitative Methodology Analysis Applied to Ecology” on September 2 at the DOrSU–FAIS Library.
The training featured Dr. Jimlea Nadezhda A. Mendoza from the DOST–PCAARRD Balik Scientist Program, who shared qualitative research approaches for exploring the knowledge of local fishers and understanding lake ecosystem fisheries.
A major focus of the training was Fishers’ Ecological Knowledge (FEK) and citizen science, which recognizes local communities as important contributors to scientific research. Mendoza emphasized the value of working directly with local fishers whose experiences provide insights into aquatic ecosystems.
“We actually use the method involving the local fishers, which we recognize, or we call [it] citizen science. Like doing the science with the local people.”
Mendoza explained that the research was prompted by a gap identified through a literature review at the beginning of her PhD studies. She noted that scientific studies have given limited attention to the perceptions of local fishers.
“Worldwide, we have the gap [in] scientific studies involving the local fisher’s perception.”
She emphasized that the knowledge of local fishers is particularly valuable because it is shaped by decades of direct interaction with lake and lagoon ecosystems. Some of the fishers involved in her research have spent more than five decades in fishing.
“For the ones we interviewed, they have been working in the lake or in the lagoon for more than 50 years, or up to 60 years of fishing experience.”
Mendoza explained that these experiences can provide a deeper understanding of the relationships among people, plants, and fish within lake ecosystem fisheries. She also noted that these relationships are affected by local and environmental challenges.
The training formed part of Mendoza’s Balik Scientist Program project with DOST-PCAARRD. The project has three partner schools in Laguna, while DOrSU was selected as its university partner in the region.
The activity provided the DOrSU community with an opportunity to learn approaches that integrate scientific research with the ecological knowledge and experiences of local communities. It also strengthened research collaboration and knowledge exchange between DOrSU and the Balik Scientist Program.
The training reflects DOrSU’s commitment to research, collaboration, and community engagement. Under the leadership of University President Dr. Roy G. Ponce, the University continues to advance its vision of regenerative futures by fostering research and partnerships that connect scientific knowledge with communities and the environments they depend on.
