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Gender-Related Values and Preferences of Resource Users in a
Municipal Marine Protected Area in the Philippines
Maria Christina G. Gumba*
College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Partido State Univesrity, Goa, Camarines Sur, Philippines
*Corresponding Author
1622
ABSTRACT
Marine Protected Areas (MPA) were established in the Philippines to conserve coastal and marine ecosystems.
In the Municipality of Sagñay, Philippines, the Atulayan Bay Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve (Atulayan
MPA) was established three decades ago for such purpose. However, the expected socio-ecological impacts
remained elusive based on biophysical and socioeconomic indicators. Community-Based Coastal Resource
Management (CBCRM) was one approach used by the municipality to engage resource users and communities
in MPA management. This study assessed the preferences of resource users toward the ecosystem services of
the Atulayan MPA and the underlying value orientation that influenced these preferences. Specifically, it
described the ecosystem services, examined the values of resource users, and analyzed the stated preferences
of resource users toward the ecosystem services based on their value orientation from a gender-related
perspective. Survey was conducted in the village of Atulayan with 50 respondents and in Nato with 250. Key
informant interview was conducted with the fisheries technologist of the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO).
Findings revealed that both resource users and residents in the two villages espoused the values of conservation and
self-transcendence, while most of them preferred the ecosystem services of fisheries, habitat, coastal
protection, and research and education. This study recommends that the MAO strengthen engagement with
resource users and communities in MPA management by using approaches that are aligned with their value
orientation and stated preferences. This would increase the likelihood that MPA-related interventions may be
supported and actively engaged in by the resource users.
Keywords: Marine Protected Area, basic human values, resource users. gender
INTRODUCTION
Coastal and marine ecosystems provide a diverse range of ecosystem services that are important for the
livelihoods of millions of people, particularly in rural coastal areas of the Philippines (Gorris, 2019). With the
declining trend in fish caught in many fishing grounds in the country, the establishment and management of
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is a strategy used to conserve coastal and marine ecosystems, and
subsequently, their ecosystem services. However, research shows that the governance of MPAs is not a simple
task and is just as important as the establishment of the MPA since a spectrum of site-specific, complex, and
dynamic ecological, social, economic, political, and cultural conditions produces high degrees of uncertainty
(Gorris, 2019). To respond to these uncertainties, several studies cite important conditions for a potentially
successful MPA management, like the “active participation of resource users in the planning and
implementation of rules; granting self- governance rights to resource users; shared leadership in the
management process; and perceived legitimacy of implemented measures” (Gorris, 2019).
In the Philippines, the coastal resource management strategy is referred to as Community-Based Coastal
Resource Management (CBCRM) (Maliao, Pomeroy & Turingan, 2009). Through CBCRM, coastal resource
management works toward the empowerment of local communities of resource users by “enabling them to
participate, control, and influence institutional decisions affecting them” (Maliao, Pomeroy & Turingan, 2009).
To have an enabling environment, it would help if the CBCRM strategies are context-based and have
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considered the preferences and values of the resource users. Individual decisions, including that of the resource
users, are often informed by the environmental preferences of communities and individuals, or the “specific
things individuals want or desire” (Dietz, Fitzgerald & Shwom, 2005). Preferences have been used to
understand people’s attitudes towards ecosystem status (Carvalho-Ribeiro & Lovett, 2011). However,
preferences are ‘reason-blind’ (O'Neill, 2007). Reported preferences are sometimes different from underlying,
trans-situational, and long-enduring values that are known to influence preferences and behavior (Manfredo et
al., 2017). Focusing on individual preferences is arguably incomplete in implementing CBCRM and
governance because it disregards how ways of life exist and are reproduced (Shove, 2010). So, the central
question in more recent studies on environmental governance is the extent to which underlying values are
expressed in reported preferences (Schutter et al., 2021).
Values can be defined as “concepts or beliefs about desirable end goals that typically transcend particular
circumstances that guide behavior” (Schutter et al., 2021). Values are the “foundation of people’s actions and
to some extent, underlie and shape individual preferences” (Manfredo et al., 2017), which include values and
preferences towards ecosystem services and policy directions (Schutter et al., 2021). How gender roles,
expectations, and dynamics affect the conception of values translated into preferences in ecosystem services is
also a relevant discussion and can further characterize resource users and how they perceive and take action in
conservation efforts.
One of the major fishing grounds in the country is Lagonoy Gulf found in the Bicol Region. The gulf is
surrounded by three provinces of the region namely, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Catanduanes. Lagonoy Gulf is
considered to be overfished due to “heavy fishing pressure and growth overfishing” (Olaño, Lanzuela &
Paredes, 2017). One of the recommendations to address this issue in the gulf is the “expansion and
establishment of MPAs in all coastal municipalities surrounding the gulf” (Olaño, Lanzuela & Paredes, 2017).
The Municipality of Sagñay in Camarines Sur is one of the coastal municipalities surrounding Lagonoy Gulf.
As a management measure to address heavy fishing pressure in the gulf, the municipality established an MPA
in Atulayan Bay in 1993. However, the declining trend of coastal and marine resources remains a challenge.
Furthermore, most recent data shows that more than two decades after the establishment of the MPA, the
poverty incidence in the municipality is at 44.2% with a considerable margin from the national poverty
incidence of 23.3% (PSA, 2021).
When properly managed, an MPA can “protect habitats, vulnerable species, and ecosystem functioning while
simultaneously providing socio-economic benefits for the local communities including enhanced fisheries,
improved community well-being, and generating additional income from tourism” (Gorris, 2019). After
decades of implementation of the Atulayan MPA, these benefits remain elusive. However, recent studies are
bridging the gap in information about CBCRM in Atulayan MPA, particularly studies on the socio-economic
conditions and governance in Atulayan Bay MPA (Bradecina, 2008); fisherfolks’ perception and awareness in
Atulayan MPA (Dela Vega-Dacillo, Shinbo & Bradecina, 2021); and factors of willingness to work and pay
for the management of the MPA (Dela Vega, et al., 2019). This study hopes to contribute to the existing
literature and serve as a groundwork for more in-depth research on CBCRM in Atulayan MPA.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Atulayan MPA
Research about Atulayan MPA is still growing. Published articles include the works of Bradecina (2008), and
Dela Vega, et al. (2019). While the MPA was established in 1993, it is only recently that extensive research in
the area is being conducted. Grey literature is also available about the Atulayan MPA, and they are largely
sponsored by non-government organizations and academe.
Bradecina (2008) examined the socioeconomic conditions and governance in Atulayan MPA. He highlighted
the MPA’s failure to contribute to the improvement of the material welfare of the fisher, even though this was
one of the outcomes that the MPA establishment hoped to achieve (Bradecina, 2008). He attributed this to weak
governance in the past, and he recommended the collection of resource use rent, free access to higher education,
and addressing issues on sustainability (Bradecina, 2008). He also recommended the increase of fishers’ income
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but under the context of limiting the fishing effort by incorporating economic incentives into local fisheries
management (Bradecina, 2008). He recommended several approaches like limited issuance of licenses,
prioritization of MPA-host community, assignment of exclusive fishing rights, and income sharing through a
community enterprise. (Bradecina, 2008).
The research of Dela Vega et al. (2019) investigated the factors affecting the willingness-to-pay of fishers for
the conservation of resources protected by the MPA. According to them, the factors that significantly affected
fishers’ willingness to pay were income and bid level for Atulayan, while for Nato, these were age, bid level,
and income (Dela Vega et al., 2019). The perception and awareness of fishers about the MPA were examined as
well (Dela Vega-Dacillo, Shinbo & Bradecina, 2021). Most of the fishers in the study were aware of the
Atulayan MPA, but they consider the fishery as either the same or worse (Dela Vega-Dacillo, Shinbo &
Bradecina, 2021).
Ecosystem Service Preferences
Schutter et al. (2021) recognized the increasing research on ecosystem services preferences to inform
environmental governance of ecosysterm services in various contexts. In this research, the coastal and marine
ecosystem services preferences of resource users (fishers and tourism operators) in Seychelles were assessed
using the 4 major classifications of ecosystem services: provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural
(Schutter et al., 2021). The values that influenced these preferences were also examined using Schwartz’s
theory of basic human values.
In their study, Schutter et al. (2021) were able to find an interesting relationship between the stated preference
and underlying values of resource users. For values, results showed that respondents scored lowest in self-
enhancement and highest in self-transcendence, while conservatism scored higher than openness to change,
which was neutral (Schutter et al., 2021). The scores were also simlar across resource users and residents,
suggesting that values are consistent among population groups in Seychelles (Schutter et al., 2021).
For the ecosystem service preferences, respondents were made to rank the following ecosystem services:
fishery, habitat, coastal protection, sanitation, education, tourism, bequest, access, and culture and recreation.
They were likewise asked to provide personal reasons regarding their ranking (Schutter et al., 2021). They
coded individuals’ qualitative responses to why each ecosystem service was important based on Schwartz value
categories, enabling them to explore the reasons for preferring certain ecosystem services through a values lens
(Schutter et al., 2021). Fishers identified fishery and habitat services as most important, and culture & recreation
as the least important, while tourism operators identified tourism as most important, and culture & recreation as
the least important (Schutter et al., 2021). Overall, self-transcendence reasons were often given for why
respondents considered each ecosystem service important, including services that directly benefit the
respondents (fishery and tourism) (Schutter et al., 2021). Examples are “The population depends on reef fish to
eat” and “We leave the beach clean so that other people can do a picnic” (Schutter et al., 2021).
The researchers tried to capture the link between values and ecosystem services preferences using a
Redundancy Analysis (RDA) ran separately for fishers and tourism operators (Schutter et al., 2021). In doing
so, the RDA used respondents’ values (elicited in the revised Portrait Values Questionnaire or PVQ-RR) as
explanatory variables and the ecosystem services preferences as response variables (Schutter et al., 2021). The
results for fishers did not always align with reasons fishers gave for why ecosystem services were important.
The analysis showed that self-enhancement values were associated with fishery preferences; conservative
values with habitat, access, and coastal protection preferences; openness to change with culture and recreation
and tourism preferences; and openness to change and self-transcendence with sanitation, bequest, and education
preferences (Schutter et al., 2021). Therefore, in a way, the resource users explained their ecosystem services
preferences through values that were different from, and sometimes in direct conflict with, the underlying
values identified in the RDA (Schutter et al., 2021).
The most commonly provided reasons for preferences (self-transcendence and conservatism) in this study were
more reflective of broader human values, and more aligned with the general values structure in Seychelles, than
the direct association between value domains and ecosystem services preferences made in the RDA (Schutter et
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al., 2021). It is equally important to understand about this direct association and the broader values structure in
management and day-to-day decision making of the utilization of coastal and marine ecosystem services.
Incorporating Values in Natural Resource Management
The incorporation of human values in natural resource management has been examined in several studies. The
complexity, dynamics, and multi-scaled interactions in social-ecological systems like fisheries make natural
resource management and governance in these areas very challenging (Song, Chuenpagdee & Jentoft, 2013).
Values that resource users and governing actors have is an important part of these interactions (Song,
Chuenpagdee & Jentoft, 2013). A way to organize values is the classification between assigned and held values
(Brown, 1998). Assigned values “refer to a benefit, worth, or merit that is given to an object, most often
assessed through valuation techniques,” while held values “refer to underlying values or ideals that prioritize
modes of conduct or desirable qualities” (Song, Chuenpagdee & Jentoft, 2013). Mainly analyzed in sociology
and psychology, held values are typically subject to ordering of relative importance (Song, Chuenpagdee &
Jentoft, 2013).
There are several schemes that classify values functionally, but Schwartz’s value categories are perhaps the
most widely accepted in circles of psychological research (Mattson, Karl & Clark, 2012). Individual value
orientation has obvious implications to how human interactions might unfold (Mattson, Karl & Clark, 2012),
and research in value orientation can progress to linking these individual orientations with societal institutions
(Lasswell & Holmberg, 1992), particularly those responsible for managing common-pool resources such as
coastal and marine ecosystem services.
Mattson, Karl & Clark (2012) used this value perspective in analyzing the resource management case of the
Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program (AMP). The AMP is a stakeholder group that was formed to
investigate alternatives for dam management while mitigating negative effects on downstream resources
(Mattson, Karl & Clark, 2012). The group consisted of 25 stakeholders who were selected through an opaque
process (Mattson, Karl & Clark, 2012). There were representatives from Native American tribes as well
(Mattson, Karl & Clark, 2012).
In the process and outcome of decision-making, the AMP – just a case among others – makes it clear that values
such as power and respect (or the lack thereof) are prioritized in the process of decision making (Mattson, Karl
& Clark, 2012). Stakeholders who had more power (i.e. power user groups, federal power administration
agencies, river basin states, state game and fish agency, recreation groups, etc.) had an advantage because their
interests were easily measured and also easily monetized, which conforms to the cultural and societal biases of
the United States and the predispositions of biophysical science: “if you can’t measure it, it doesn’t really
matter” (Mattson, Karl & Clark, 2012). To an extent, this is also observable in several stakeholder groups in the
resource management in the Philippines. Values that cannot be measured tend to be excluded in conversations
about natural resource management.
Schwartz’s theory provides an opportunity to look into these values. Like other concepts, however, value
classifications are rubrics with associated risks of oversimplification (Mattson, Karl & Clark, 2012). Even if this
is the case, it also offers a manageable language for analysis and communication (Mattson, Karl & Clark, 2012)
of values in natural resource management.
Objectives
Generally, the study aimed to assess the preferences of resource users toward the ecosystem services of the
Atulayan Bay Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve or Atulayan MPA, and the underlying value orientation that
influenced these preferences. More specifically, it aimed to:
1. Describe the ecosystem services provided by the Atulayan MPA;
2. Examine the values of resource users in the MPA;
3. Analyze the stated preferences of resource users and residents toward the ecosystem services based on their
value orientation from a gender-related perspective.
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Theoretical Framework: Basic Human Values
For the purpose of this study, it is important to delineate values from preferences, as these two terms are
usually used interchangeably. Values can be defined as “concepts or beliefs about desirable end goals that
typically transcend particular circumstances that guide behavior” (Schutter et al., 2021). Preferences, for the
purpose of this study, were seen to be “heavily influenced by the underlying values of an individual and/or his
or her surrounding community” (Schutter et al., 2021). How these values are prioritized has been found to
result in a systematic group of 10 basic values, where certain values are considered not compatible with one
another (Jones et al., 2016; Schwartz, 1992). Recently, the list of values has been refined into 19 values
(Schwartz, 2016). Values are developed in the early parts of human life history and are affected by socio-
cultural factors and their unique personal experience (Schwartz, 1999).
Figure 1. Theoretical Framework: Schwartz Wheel (Schwartz, 2016)
The theoretical framework of this study was based on Schwartz’s Theory of Basic Human Values (Schwartz,
1992). Figure 1 illustrates Schwartz’s Refined Value Theory which identifies four major value domains and
are further divided into more specific values under each domain (Schwartz, 2016). According to this theory,
basic human values form into four major value domains and exist in all societies (Schutter et al., 2021). These
values are formed slowly and prioritized in a consistent order across contexts (Schutter et al., 2021). Self-
transcendence and conservatism reflect socially motivated values, while self- enhancement and openness to
change consists of individually motivated values (Schutter et al., 2021). Values that are oriented opposite each
other are considered incompatible. For example, people who tend to score highly on self-transcendence would
also tend to score low on self-enhancement, while those scoring high on openness to change tend to score low
on conservatism (Schutter et al., 2021). Conservation and openness to change emphasize the dichotomy of
preservation and change of the status quo, while self-enhancement and self- transcendence highlights the
dichotomy of personal- and other-related interests (Witte, Stanciu & Boehnke, 2020).
Values are the foundation of people’s actions and to some extent, underlie and shape individual preferences
(Manfredo et al., 2017), and these can be applied to include values and preferences towards ecosystem services
and policy directions (Schutter et al., 2021). For MPAs that have existed for a long time and for which research
on preferences has consistently been conducted, a study on values is relevant, especially when MPA
management is working towards CBCRM, because the study can illustrate how underlying values are linked to
stated preferences of resource users who are the major stakeholders in the CBCRM approach.
The incorporation of human values in natural resource management has been examined in several studies. The
complexity, dynamics and multi-scaled interactions in social-ecological systems like fisheries make natural
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resource management and governance in these areas very challenging (Song, Chuenpagdee & Jentoft, 2013).
Values that resource users and governing actors have is an important part of these interactions (Song,
Chuenpagdee & Jentoft, 2013). A way to organize values is the classification between assigned and held
values (Brown, 1998). Assigned values “refer to a benefit, worth, or merit that is given to an object, most often
assessed through valuation techniques,” while held values “refer to underlying values or ideals that prioritize
modes of conduct or desirable qualities” (Song, Chuenpagdee & Jentoft, 2013). Mainly analyzed in sociology
and psychology, held values are typically subject to ordering of relative importance (Song, Chuenpagdee &
Jentoft, 2013).
There are several schemes that classify values functionally but Schwartz’s value categories are perhaps the
most widely accepted in circles of psychological research (Mattson, Karl & Clark, 2012). Individual value
orientation has obvious implications to how human interactions might unfold (Mattson, Karl & Clark, 2012),
and research in value orientation can progress to linking these individual orientations with societal institutions
(Lasswell & Holmberg, 1992), particularly those responsible for managing common-pool resources such as
coastal and marine ecosystem services.
Conceptual Framework: Values, Ecosystem Service Preferences and CBCRM
The conceptual framework of this study highlighted the three main elements that will be incorporated in the
analysis of the results, particularly the values and preferences of resource users and the ecosystem services of
Atulayan MPA. It likewise incorporated the crucial role of CBCRM in integrating the values and preferences
of resource users into the management strategies and actions for the ecosystem services of Atulayan MPA.
Figure 2. Conceptual Framework: Gender-Related Values and Preferences of Resource Users
Figure 2 illustrates the two-way arrow of CBCRM, connecting the values and preferences of resource users to
the ecosystem services. The two-way arrow signifies that the relationship between values and preferences of
respondents and the ecosystem services is not one-way, but more complex and interrelated. The perspective
provided by CBCRM is valuable in linking them and addressing related issues. However, this figure does not
necessarily imply that this is the only existing relationship between values, preferences, and ecosystem
services.
Values and preferences of resource users, appropriately incorporated and addressed by CBCRM strategies and
actions, can have a crucial impact on how they perceive ecosystem services, depending on how these are done.
It highlights the link between values and preferences, and how CBCRM can play a role in linking values and
preferences to the resource users’ sustainable utilization and management of Atulayan Bay MPA ecosystem
services.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Population and Samples
The survey was conducted in Nato and Atulayan, the villages identified to have the relatively highest number
of resource users by the MAO. The respondent groups were classified by gender. More specifically, the sample
size for each respondent group is outlined in Table 1.
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Table 1. Sample size for each respondent group per village
Respondent Group
Sample size
Nato
Atulayan
Female
244
47
Male
220
63
Total
464
110
The respondents were identified randomly, with the help of village officials during the actual survey for
determining their actual address in the barangay. Table 2 presents the tools that were used for the survey. The
survey tool was piloted first before the actual survey. Several changes were made to the survey tool after the
pilot study. The first one was translating the whole tool into the Bicol dialect, and condensing the content (font
sizes and formatting changes) to fit into a back-to-back, one-page questionnaire. This is due to the feedback
from the pilot test that the tool was perceived by respondents to be too long due to the number of pages. This
perception contributed to the respondents’ tendency to answer quickly rather than honestly. Thus, the
modifications were perceived necessary by the researcher and were subsequently made.
Each respondent group were limited to individuals or households residing in the identified study sites as
community members since they are the ones present in these respective communities and with regular access to
the ecosystem services provided by the Atulayan MPA. For the purpose of this study, the respondents should
be in the identified sites at least 2-3 days in a week or more.
Before the survey was conducted, the respondents were informed about the study and why their responses were
necessary. They were asked for their consent to voluntarily participate in the study. The confidentiality of their
responses were also reiterated. This meant that their identities were not revealed in the study. This part of the
conduct of survey was explained to them using the Tagalog or Bicol dialect for a better understanding by the
respondents.
Research Instrument
Table 2. Survey tools (Schutter et al., 2021)
Variable
Method
Measurement
Values
Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ-RR)
(Schwartz, 2012)
Score from 1 (not like me) – 6 (very
much like me)
Ecosystem services
preferences
Ranking exercise with ecosystem services (to be
shortlisted with the help of MAO)
Score from 1 (most important) – 7
(least important)
The revised Portrait Values Questionnaire or PVQ-RR is a set of standardized statements from the 21-question
Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) by Schwartz (2012). It aims to cover a comprehensive range of values
under self-enhancement, self-transcendence, conservatism, and openness to change, and is reliable across
different cultures and validated in 39 languages (Schutter et al., 2021), including the Philippines (Schwartz &
Cieciuch, 2021). The scores on the questions were used to determine the individual respondent’s scores across
the four value domains that each have their own series of statements (Schutter et al., 2021). These statements
describe a person and what is important to that person by asking the respondents to identify the extent to which
each statement is like them (Schutter et al., 2021). This tool was translated into Bicol for the respondents.
The ranking exercise with ecosystem services on the other hand involved locally-taken photos that each
represent the ecosystem services provided by the Atulayan MPA (Schutter et al., 2021). The respondents were
asked to arrange the cards in ascending order of importance, with emphasis to their personal preferences, and
then they were asked to explain their ranking (Schutter et al., 2021).
Collection of Data
For this study, the data was gathered through survey, key informant interview (KII), and document review.
During the period of data-gathering, the study area and the workplace of the researcher were classified under COVID-19
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Alert Level 2 in which some pandemic restrictions were being gradually lifted. Therefore, the survey and KII
were conducted face-to-face with compliance to minimum health protocols, i.e. physical distancing, wearing of
face masks, regular handwashing, etc.
Coordination was first done with the Municipal Agricultural Office (MAO) of Sagñay, particularly with the
fisheries technologist of the local government unit for secondary data gathering. The MAO helped the
researcher in identifying the coastal barangays and resource users that can be covered in the study and in
shortlisting the ecosystem services of the Atulayan MPA which were used in the conduct of surveys. The
resource person also helped in providing additional information about the most recent developments in the
management of Atulayan MPA. The MAO also had an important role in providing information on the Atulayan
MPA ecosystem services, aside from consulting research findings in the site.
To strengthen the study’s methodological triangulation, document analysis was used to incorporate ecological
and management data relevant to the Atulayan Marine Protected Area (MPA). This included the Sagñay 2017
Biophysical and Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT) Monitoring Report by the Marine
Environment and Resources Foundation, Inc. and Rare Philippines (Atrigenio et al., 2017), Mendoza et al.’s
(2015) ecological assessment of Atulayan Bay, and Seguenza’s (2023) comparative study on MPA management
effectiveness in Camarines Sur. These sources provided data on coral cover, fish abundance and biomass, and
governance performance using the Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT).
The integration of these documents contextualized social value data within the ecological and institutional trends.
National-level insights from Mualil et al. (2019) were also consulted to compare Atulayan’s performance with
other small, locally managed MPAs in the Philippines.
Data Analysis
Values
To calculate the scores from the PVQ-RR, the Scoring and Analysis Instructions by Schwartz (2021) was used
for the proper utilization of the instrument. Table 3 outlines the scoring key for the 19 basic values in the PVQ-
RR value scale by Schwartz. The mean of items for each value was first computed and organized according to
the basic value they represent.
Table 3. Scoring key for 19 basic values in the PVQ-RR (Schwartz, 2021)
Value
Item numbers
Self-direction Thought
1, 23, 29
Self-direction Action
16, 30, 56
Stimulation
10, 28, 43
Hedonism
3, 36, 46
Achievement
17, 32, 48
Power Dominance
6, 29, 41
Power Resources
12, 20, 44
Face
9, 24, 49
Security Personal
13, 26, 53
Security Societal
2, 35, 50
Tradition
18, 33, 40
Conformity-Rules
15, 31, 42
Conformity-Interpersonal
4, 22, 51
Humility
7, 38, 54
Universalism-Nature
8, 21, 45
Universalism-Concern
5, 37, 52
Universalism-Tolerance
14, 34, 57
Benevolence-Care
11, 25, 47
Benevolence-Dependability
19, 27, 55
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The value prioritization of respondents based on the four higher order values – self-transcendence, self
enhancement, openness to change and conservation – were determined by using the medians from specific
values as outlined in Table 4.
Table 4. Scoring key for 4 higher order values in the PVQ-RR (Schwartz, 2021)
Higher order value
Corresponding basic value
Self-transcendence
Combine medians for universalism-nature, universalism-concern, universalism-tolerance,
benevolence-care, benevolence-dependability, and humility
Self-enhancement
Combine medians for achievement, power dominance, power resources, and face
Openness to change
Combine medians for self-direction thought, self-direction action, stimulation, and
hedonism
Conservation
Combine medians for security-personal, security-societal, tradition, conformity-rules, and
conformity-interpersonal
Preferences
The respondents’ answers regarding their preferences about ecosystem services was also ranked accordingly,
from the most important to the least important. The identified ecosystem services in Atulayan MPA were the
following: (1) fishery; (2) coastal protection/flood control; (3) habitat for coastal and marine organisms; (4)
tourism; (5) culture and tradition; (6) research and education; and (7) bequest. Respondents were asked to give
an explanation of their ranking based on their personal views.
Statistical Analysis
The data was analyzed by barangay and by gender. The correlation between the values and preferences of
respondents was also determined with the aid of this hypothesis: There was a relationship between the values and
preferences of resource users in Atulayan MPA. Since this involved two independent groups using ordinal
scale, the statistical test used was the Mann -Whitney U-test (McCrum-Gardner, 2008). This statistical analysis
was conducted through jamovi, a free online statistical software.
The relationship between the values and stated preferences of respondents according to their gender was also
determined. This was done by determining the weighted mean of the ranking of preferences and then linking
their value results with the rankings.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Like many coastal and marine areas protected by MPAs, Atulayan MPA provides ecosystem services to the
resource users in Sagñay. Ecosystem services were the different benefits that people get from various
ecosystems (Tamayo et al., 2018). These services fall under broad categories of provision, regulation, cultural,
and support (Tamayo et al., 2018).
Table 5. Ecosystem services of the Atulayan MPA
Ecosystem
services
Interpretation (Schutter
et al., 2021)
Applicability in the municipality (document review)
Fisheries
Benefits from catching
and selling fish
Atulayan Bay is situated in the western side of Lagonoy Gulf which is
the biggest fishing ground in the Bicol Region (Dela Vega et al., 2019).
Surrounded by coastal villages. this bay provides income to fishers
through fishing activities (Dela Vega et al., 2019).
Coastal
Protection
Benefits from reef as a
barrier against force of
waves
The Atulayan MPA covers 470.16 hectares of coral reef which is a
narrow sloping shelf plunging as a steep wall into a sandy substrate in
the deeper portions (Atrigenio et al., 2012). Coral bommies and rock
formations are abundant in the area which supports a high topographic
relief (Dela Vega et al., 2019).
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Culture and
Tradition
Benefits from using
beach and sea for
cultural/recreationalact
ivities
Cultural and historical activities in the municipality tied to the sea are
the Guipao and Baybayon Festivals which celebrate fisheries and the
coastal resources of Sagñay (Pesimo –Abundabar, 2022).
Research and
Education
Benefits from gaining
knowledge from the
marine environment
Several studies in different fields have been conducted with emphasis
on the Atulayan MPA. Aside from which, the Partido State University
offers higher education programs on Fisheries and Marine Biology in
the municipality.
Tourism
Benefits from visitors
and others to enjoy the
marine environment
A form of non-extractive resource use found in the area is tourism
(Bradecina, 2017). Atulayan Island and the Atulayan Fish Sanctuary
serve as nature-based attractions in the municipality (Pesimo -
Abundabar, 2022).
Habitat
Benefits from having a
healthy coral reef
Coral reef fishes are abundant in the Atulayan MPA, and migratory
pelagic fishes like tuna and tuna-like species can also be found in the
marine ecosystems covered by the MPA (Bradecina, 2017).
Bequest
Benefits from knowing
reefs will be there for
the next generations
The abovementioned references and studies validate the existence of
said ecosystem services by the Atulayan MPA. The continuous
existence of these resource for the next generation can become the
bequest ecosystem service.
In the context of Atulayan MPA, the identified ecosystem services were fisheries, coastal protection, culture
and tradition, research and education, tourism, habitat, and bequest, as displayed in Table 5. The identified
ecosystem services in the study were further utilized in determining the resource users’ preferences for
ecosystem services.
Ecological and Management Context
Ecological monitoring results support the interpretation of social and gender-related values. Atrigenio et al.
(2017) reported that coral cover in the Atulayan MPA ranged from 28% to 44%, classified as “fair” under
Gomez & Alcala’s (1979) criteria. Fish abundance almost doubled between 2012 and 2017, indicating steady
reef recovery. Similarly, Mendoza et al. (2015) found live coral cover exceeding 35% and higher reef fish
diversity inside the protected zone than in adjacent open-access areas.
These ecological patterns correspond to the evolving management performance of Atulayan MPA. The
Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT), developed by the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB), is used to evaluate MPA governance
through indicators on management systems, governance, community participation, and sustainability.
According to Atrigenio et al. (2017), the Atulayan Bay Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve (Atulayan MPA) –
established in 1993 and covering approximately 470 hectares of coral reefs and seagrass beds – experienced
fluctuations in management effectiveness over time.
In 2016, the MPA achieved a total MEAT score of 77 out of 84, corresponding to Level 3 – Sustained.
However, by 2017, the score declined to 61, placing the MPA at Pre-Level 1 (or Level 0) due to changes in
working dynamics between the management body and the local government unit. Despite this downgrade,
several good practices persisted, including annual LGU fund allocation, maintenance of marker buoys,
deputization of Bantay Dagat members with proper documentation of violations, and the continued use of IEC
materials to raise awareness against illegal fishing.
Subsequent assessment by Seguenza (2023), using an updated MEAT version expressed in percentage form,
reported a 47% management effectiveness rating, which indicates partial recovery and reestablished
coordination among the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), fisherfolk leaders, and academic partners such as
Partido State University. The variation in MEAT results between 2017 and 2023 reflects not a further decline
but an adjustment in scoring frameworks and monitoring cycles.
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When considered together, the findings of Artigenio et al. (2017) and Seguenza (2023) suggest that Atulayan
MPA’s management effectiveness is dynamic and adaptive – influenced by leadership, institutional
relationships and local participation. When compared nationally, Muallil et al. (2019) observed that many small,
locally managed MPAs (<0.2 km
2
) yield positive ecological results when local stewardship is maintained. These
findings confirm that Atulayan MPA’s management outcomes are not only institutional but also value-driven,
reflecting strong community commitment and stewardship ethics.
Gender-Related Value Orientation of Resource Users
The value analysis of resource users in Atulayan MPA was done using the Schwartz’ Portrait Values
Questionnaire. Responses and analysis of which were formulated to provide nuance on the general value
orientation of respondents. As described in the research methodology, the tool first generated results for the
nineteen (19) basic values which were then consolidated to form the four (4) higher order values. This study
generated results for two respondent groups, female and male; and two locations, the villages of Nato and
Atulayan.
The succeeding section exhibits various radar charts and discusses how female and male resource users in Nato
and Atulayan perceive and prioritize core human values structured around Schwartz’s theory of basic human
values. The radar charts are followed by a detailed interpretation of the results. Then at the later part the
analysis focuses on the four value domains – cconservation, self-transcendence, openness to change, and self-
enhancement – for female and male resource users in Nato and Atulayan.
Figure 3. Basic Human Values of Resource Users in Nato
Figure 3 portrays that in the village of Nato, female respondents tended to value tradition, security – personal
and societal – and conformity more than their male counterparts, which suggested greater emphasis on stability
and preserving social order. Women rated consistently higher in benevolence and universalism, particularly
dependability, care and tolerance, which highlighted a greater orientation toward empathy and inclusiveness,
and indicated stronger concern for the welfare of others and the environment. Males appeared to value
stimulation and hedonism more, while females led slightly in self-directed thought, which implied a reflective,
purpose-driven autonomy. Men scored higher on power – both resources and dominance – and achievement,
which possibly reflected a stronger orientation toward assertiveness, personal success and status-driven goals.
They manifested a greater orientation toward independence, novelty, and self-direction.
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Figure 4. Four Value Domains of Resource Users in Nato
Figure 4 is a comparison of the four main domains across genders in the village of Nato. Females scored
higher than males on conservation and self-transcendence. Males scored higher than females on openness to
change and self-enhancement. The next set of radar charts provide a gender-based comparison of how resource
users in the village of Atulayan prioritize Schwartz’s human values framework.
Figure 5. Basic Human Values of Resource Users in Atulayan
Figure 5 displays that, similar to the village of Nato, female respondents in Atulayan showed higher emphasis
on personal and societal security, stability, tradition and conformity which pointed a strong focus on safety,
norms and social cohesion. Like in Nato, women in Atulayan scored higher on self-direction thought which
implied a preference for autonomous, purpose-driven reflection. Females outpaced males in benevolence –
dependability and care – and universalism – nature, concern and tolerance – which reflected stronger prosocial
and environmental concern. Results uncovered that like in Nato, women in Atulayan were more community-
and nature-oriented. Males on other hand, tended to lean more toward hedonism and stimulation. Like in Nato,
men in Atulayan rated higher across all specific values under self-enhancement – achievement, face and power
in both resources and dominance – which indicated a stronger drive for status, control and recognition. Findings
suggested that males in Atulayan, as in Nato, may be more accepting of or driven by change and innovation in
livelihood strategies. Consistent with Nato, scores in Atulayan implied that men place greater importance on
personal gains and recognition.
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Figure 6. Four Value Domains of Resource Users in Atulayan
Figure 6 confirms that in the village of Atulayan, females aligned more with conservation and self-
transcendence while males leaned more into self-enhancement and openness to change. These same
observations were likewise apparent in the village of Nato.
Ecosystem Services Preferences by Gender
The gender-based value orientations discussed earlier are reflected in how resource users prioritize the
ecosystem services provided by the Atulayan MPA. By examining which services men and women value most,
it becomes possible to observe how abstract value domains – such as conservation, self-transcendence, openness
to change, and self-enhancement – are manifested in concrete environmental preferences and behaviors.
The study identified seven (7) key ecosystem services representing provisioning, regulating, supporting, and
cultural benefits: fisheries, habitat protection, coastal defense, research and education, bequest, tourism, and
culture and tradition. The ranking results revealed both shared and distinct gender patterns in how these services
were perceived.
Fisheries ranked first for both males and females, emphasizing the community’s dependence on fishing for
livelihood and food security. This shared prioritization reflects a collective conservation value orientation,
where resource maintenance and sustainable use are regarded as essential responsibilities. The importance
placed on fisheries also echoes ecological findings that Atulayan MPA’s coral cover and fish abundance have
improved through active protection (Artigenio et al., 2017), reinforcing the idea that ecological recovery and
social valuation are closely linked.
Beyond this shared priority, differences emerged in secondary preferences. Females ranked coastal protection
second, followed by research and education, while males placed habitat second and coastal protection third.
These rankings correspond to the gendered value orientations previously identified.
Females’ preference for coastal protection and education corresponds with their stronger self-transcendence and
conservation values, reflecting concern for family safety, collective welfare, and knowledge transfer to younger
generations. Their attention to regulating and educational services suggests that women view environmental
management as an extension of their social and nurturing roles – protecting both people and ecosystems.
Males’ prioritization of habitat aligns with openness-to-change and self-enhancement values, emphasizing
ecological productivity, innovation, and leadership in resource use. Habitat protection was often associated with
maintaining fishing grounds, ensuring species replenishment, and supporting sustainable harvesting practices.
Their relatively high regard for research and education also suggests a willingness to engage with adaptive
management and scientific knowledge.
Four Value Domains
Female
Male
Conservation
Self-Transcendence
0.3
0.2
0.1
Openness to
Change
Self-Enhancement
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Both genders ranked tourism and culture and tradition at the bottom of their lists, indicating a pragmatic
orientation toward ecosystem services that deliver tangible livelihood and ecological benefits. Nonetheless, the
moderate ranking of bequest values – the desire to preserve the environment for future generations – shows that
stewardship remains a shared moral theme across gender lines.
Overall, the results demonstrate that ecosystem service preferences are closely intertwined with value
orientations by gender. Females’ emphasis on protection and learning reflects community care and long-term
continuity, while males’ focus on habitat and productivity underscores agency, adaptability, and resource
stewardship. This complementarity suggests that effective community-based coastal resource management
(CBCRM) can draw strength from both orientations – balancing empathy with innovation, and tradition with
adaptability – to sustain participation and enhance MPA effectiveness.
Integrated Socio-Ecological Interpretation
The results show that the ecological and social dimensions of the Atulayan MPA are closely interconnected.
Years with active community participation and stable governance corresponded with higher coral cover and fish
biomass (Artigenio et al., 2017), while declines in coordination reduced management effectiveness (Seguenza,
2023). This demonstrates that ecological recovery and social cohesion reinforce one another.
Gendered values and preferences explain how this linkage operates. Females’ focus on fisheries, coastal
protection, and education reflects their self-transcendence and conservation values, emphasizing care, safety,
and continuity. Males’ prioritization of fisheries and habitat corresponds to openness-to-change and self-
enhancement values, highlighting productivity and innovation. Together, these orientations balance protection
and adaptive management.
The interaction between values and ecological outcomes forms a feedback loop: effective management sustains
ecosystem services that communities value most, and these benefits in turn motivate continued stewardship.
Maintaining this cycle requires management approaches that integrate gender perspectives, ecological
monitoring, and participatory decision-making – ensuring that social motivation and environmental resilience
advance together.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The Atulayan MPA provides vital provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural ecosystem services that
sustain both local livelihoods and community well-being. Resource users valued fisheries, habitat, coastal
protection, and research and education most highly, reflecting their direct dependence on marine resources and
awareness of ecological functions. These preferences align with their dominant value orientations – females
emphasizing conservation and self-transcendence, and males emphasizing openness to change and self-
enhancement. Together, these orientations reveal a complementary foundation for participatory management.
The slightly lower overall value magnitudes in Atulayan suggest conservative or constrained value expression,
yet the presence of all four value domains offers potential for inclusive engagement. Females’ concern for
safety, care, and collective welfare can strengthen community-based coastal resource management (CBCRM)
through education, compliance, and intergenerational stewardship. Males’ focus on productivity, adaptation,
and leadership can support innovation in fisheries and habitat management.
To harness these strengths, the Atulayan MPA can:
Integrate traditional ecological knowledge – such as seasonal fishing cycles and local taboos – into
formal marine protection policies;
Promote inclusive leadership, ensuring active participation of women, youth, and elders in planning
and decision-making; and
Encourage adaptive and value-driven CBCRM, supported by feedback mechanisms, peer learning, and
recognition of local champions in conservation and sustainable fishing.
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Aligning management practices with gendered values and ecosystem-service priorities can improve both social
participation and ecological outcomes. For the LGU Sagñay, these insights provide a basis for policies and
programs that sustain fisheries productivity while nurturing stewardship, equity, and resilience within coastal
communities.
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