Project Fintastic: An Intervention on Social Skills for Fishmongers

Abstract

This study investigated the social communication skills of fishmongers in Mercedes, Camarines Norte, and assessed the effectiveness of a structured intervention aimed at enhancing their verbal, non-verbal, and collaborative abilities. Given the vital role of communication in customer engagement, business success, and economic resilience, the study sought to identify existing skill gaps and implement a learning program tailored to the fishmongers' needs.
Descriptive design was used, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data collected through surveys, a Social Skills Self-Assessment, a Training Needs Assessment (TNA), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 32 small-scale fish vendors. The intervention featured seminar-workshops focused on active listening, understanding social cues, and building effective teamwork. Pre- and post-training assessments were used to evaluate changes in participants’ social communication skills.
Findings showed that most fishmongers had limited formal education, and training, yet demonstrated a strong desire to improve their communication abilities. Post-intervention results indicated notable improvements in verbal fluency, non-verbal responsiveness, and collaborative behaviors, which translated into enhanced customer satisfaction, increased confidence in conflict resolution, and improved sales outcomes.
The study concluded that strengthening the social communication skills of fishmongers fostered individual empowerment and contributed to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to quality education (SDG 4) and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). It was recommended that continued implementation of such community-based interventions and greater policy support to promote sustainable livelihood opportunities within the local fishing sector.
Tabinas, A.C. (2025). Project Fintastic: An Intervention on Social Skills for Fishmongers. (Unpublished Dissertation). Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Pili.Christopher B. Dacer