Abstract
This study determined the level of adaptation and the use of mitigation strategies to climate change among fisherfolk in selected coastal barangays in Southern Negros during the second quarter of Calendar Year 2026, as a basis for an entrepreneurial development plan. The study examined the respondents’ profiles in terms of age, sex, and average monthly family income, and assessed their adaptation and mitigation strategies for sustainable fishing practices, livelihood diversification, and community-based management. A descriptive research design was utilized using a validated and reliable self-made questionnaire. A total of 178 fisherfolk respondents were selected through stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, means, and the Mann-Whitney U test. Findings showed that fisherfolk demonstrated moderate adaptation strategies and moderate to high mitigation strategies on climate change. Sustainable fishing practices obtained the highest ratings, while community-based management and livelihood programs received lower ratings. An entrepreneurial development plan was proposed to strengthen resilience, sustainability, and economic opportunities among fisherfolk communities.
Keywords: Climate change adaptation; mitigation strategies; fisherfolk communities; livelihood diversification; sustainable fishing practices