FACTORS AFFECTING THE NONCOMPLIANCE OF WOODEN BOAT OWNERS TO THE DOTr'S PHASE OUT REQUIREMENTS

This paper aimed to investigate the factors that cause boat owners to disregard the the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) phase-out plan for wooden boats. The viewpoints and challenges faced by the boat owners were investigated through the use of open-ended questions. Five boat owners from Gumaca, Quezon , and Quezon, Quezon participated in the study. The findings revealed the primary reasons why boat owners find it challenging to comply with the phase-out plan. Financial constraints emerged as the most common response, with participants highlighting the high cost of fiber materials and overall budget limitations as major obstacles. Two other major obstacles to compliance were found to be the high cost of fiber materials and the lack of financial resources. Boat owners said that hey were unaware of the DOTr's phase-out strategy, which highlights the need for improved notice and communication strategies. Due to a strong feeling of identify and belonging, cultural and traditional beliefs-- particularly cultural inheritance and attachment to wooden boats--hindered cooperation. Several recommendations are made in light of the findings. Initially, plans for easing boat owners' financial burdens have to be formulated. Fiberglass material-related safety issues need to be addressed and looked into further. It is important to look at how the phase-out plan would affect boat owners' and the fishing industry's long-term finances. Important insights may be gained from the experiences of boat owners who have successfully implemented the phase-out plan.