[RESEARCH NOTE]
Philippine Journal of Science
153 No. 6A: 2033-2041, December 2024
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 16 Jun 2023
Occupational Health Hazards of Seaweed Farming in Sorsogon, the Philippines
Richard V. Dumilag1*, Franklin P. Calaminos2, Mark Ariel D. Malto3, Ida T. Capacio4, Aireen D. Malto1, Stefani Reign B. Tagal1, Ellen Joy P. Pacudan5, May Veluz G. Salansang6, Ruby D. Olipany7, Cynthia B. Mintu7, Maria Lourdes C. Aguirre7, John Patrick Z. Gerardo8, and Caesar Franz C. Ruiz7
1Graduate School, Sorsogon State University, Sorsogon City Campus, Magsaysay St., Salog (Poblacion), Sorsogon City 4700 the Philippines 2Education and Entrepreneurship Department, Sorsogon State University, Magallanes Campus, Aguada Norte, Magallanes, Sorsogon 4705 the Philippines 3Fisheries Department, Sorsogon State University, Magallanes Campus, Aguada Norte, Magallanes, Sorsogon 4705 the Philippines 4National Seaweed Technology Development Center, National Highway, Cabid-an, Sorsogon City 4700 Sorsogon, the Philippines 5Center for Humanities and Social Sciences, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, Gov. D. Mangubat Ave, Dasmarinas City, Cavite 4114 the Philippines 6College of Allied Sciences, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, Gov. D. Mangubat Ave, Dasmarinas City, Cavite 4114 the Philippines 7Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Arts and Sciences, Far Eastern University, Nicanor Reyes Sr. St., Sampaloc, Manila 1015 the Philippines 8College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Ermita, Manila 1000 the Philippines
*Corresponding author: richard.dumilag@sorsu.edu.ph
Dumilag R et al. 2024. Occupational Health Hazards of Seaweed Farming in Sorsogon, the Philippines [Research Note]. Philipp J Sci 153(6A): 2033–2041.
ABSTRACT
Seaweed farmers are important workers in the aquaculture industry who are vulnerable to diverse occupational health hazards. Concerns have however rarely been raised about these work-related health issues of these farmers in the Philippines. In this study, we employed a risk management approach that involved identifying health issues and considering strategies to reduce the impacts the risks may bring. We determined the physical health hazards faced by seaweed farmers in Sorsogon, an area in the eastern Philippines with active seaweed farms. Findings were presented focusing on descriptive and correlation analyses based on a risk matrix approach. Interview responses were collected using a five-step Likert scale to measure the frequency and severity of etic categories of health hazards. Most of the 29 identified health issues were experienced by the farmers during the repeated installation of farms. Headaches were most prevalent and severe, followed by skin and musculo-skeletal problems. Albeit only categorized as a minor risk, headache still ranks first in order and was correlated with age and sex. Based on physiological differences, women farmers were more vulnerable than men to experiencing headaches due to long-term exposure to heat. Shorter time of field exposure, financial rewards, and social scripting appeared to be key drivers for a consistently low appreciation by seaweed farmers to the frequency, severity, and potential risks of occupational health hazards. Our findings hold important implications for seeking appropriate interventions to include improving ergonomic conditions and the use of protective tools. The wider information campaign, provision of support services, and medical interventions targeting major health issues identified in this study can help address the actual health conditions affecting seaweed farmers in Sorsogon and thereby influence health policy and practice beneficial to this workforce throughout the Philippines.