The Promise of the Southwest Wind: Visayan Fish/Migrant Wives in the Shifting Fishery of the Central Philippines

Abstract

AbstractThere is no strict rule among Filipinos as to where to reside after marriage. Numerous factors, mostly economic, are considered. There is, however, an ideal residence pattern: the matrilocal residence rule. This article presents the experiences of women belonging to highly mobile families of fishers in Gigantes Island, located in the inland sea of the Visayas, in the central Philippines. Marriage to men from other islands has subjected women to living permanently in their husband’s residence, even though they may feel emotionally disconnected from that place due to experiences of discrimination as a pangayaw (sojourner) even after marriage. The feeling, however, does not last throughout the year. During the southwest monsoon, the women’s families, and their fishing boats and crew, come to fish. The visit reverses these women’s status vis-a-vis the community. While discrimination still occurs once in a while, the financial investment the sojourners bring to the island is acknowledged until the end ...