BAROY, Lanao del Norte (PIA) — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-10 held an information, education, and communication (IEC) roadshow campaign here to promote the objectives of the Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project.
This roadshow is a part of a larger initiative that includes regions 7, 8, 9, 10, and 13 in Mindanao and aims to update stakeholders, promote dialogue, and garner support for the development of sustainable fisheries management in Fisheries Management Area (FMA)-9.
The World Bank funds the FishCoRe Project, a seven-year initiative that uses the Ecosystems Approach to Fisheries Management to improve food security and foster resilient ecosystems.
The roadshow highlighted FishCoRe’s three main components: Fisheries and Coastal Resilient Resource Planning and Management (FishCRRM), Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investments (MARLIN), and Support to Project Implementation and Management (SUPRIM).
BFAR-10 Alternate Focal for FMA-9, Majen Casinillo said the roadshow is designed to engage stakeholders and share updates on the project’s progress, which aims to improve livelihoods and address environmental challenges in the fisheries sector.
“Sa kinatibuk-an, ang FishCoRe project namugna para sa mga mangingisda. Pinaagi ani nga proyekto, ma-improve ang fisheries sector sa FMA-9,” he said.
(In general, the FishCoRe project was created for the benefit of the fisherfolk. Through this project, the fisheries sector in FMA-9 will be improved.)
Casinillo shared that the focus of FishCRRM includes developing management plans for species like sardines, which are vital to the local economy. These plans will be presented to local government units for adoption with the goal of sustaining the area’s fisheries.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Sanggoyod, alternate lead for the MARLIN component, underscored the project’s livelihood aspect.
“Ang MARLIN mao ang bulk sa FishCore project, so diri mostly ang fund nakabutang intended for livelihood support mainly sa fisherfolk, cooperatives, o associations sa mga mangingisda labi na sa sa mga naa sa laylayan nga sektor,” he said.
(The MARLIN component is the bulk of the FishCore project, so most of the funds are allocated here, intended for livelihood support mainly for fisherfolk, cooperatives, or fishing associations, especially those in marginalized sectors.)
He shared that the project also includes the establishment of aqua-industrial business corridors within FMA-9, which will foster value chain development from pre-production to marketing.
Moreover, June Gabriel Pagalan, the social safeguards focal person for FCU-10, highlighted the importance of the SUPRIM component, which focuses on project management, workforce development, and ensuring compliance with environmental and social safeguards set by the World Bank.
“Ang Environmental and Social Standards sa World Bank mao ang mu-guide nato nga naay existing nga balaod. Guide ni siya aron magmalampuson ang implementation sa FishCore project kay dapat inclusive siya, ang marginalized sector ug ang indigenous people, maapil jud sila basta involved sila sa fisheries nga sector,” he said.
(The Environmental and Social Standards of the World Bank will guide us to ensure that there are existing laws. This serves as a guide to ensure the successful implementation of the FishCore project, which must be inclusive. The marginalized sector and the indigenous people must be included as long as they are involved in the fisheries sector.)
Meanwhile, stakeholders who joined in the roadshow expressed optimism about the project. Linamon’s Municipal Agriculturist, Jayson Arnoco, said the project is crucial in helping protect and preserve the coastal resources.
“Kani nga programa dako kaayo og tabang sa LGU, dili lang sa mga opisyal, labi na sa mga mananagat nga mao’y apektado aning mga interventions ug makabenepisyo ani nga proyekto. Hopefully, kini nga proyekto ma-materialize para makatabang, labi na karon nga grabe na ang epekto sa climate change, kinahanglan ang mitigation. Kung maigo ta, dapat resilient ta. Dili kay mawad-an ta og paglaom kung maigo, dapat mubarog ta,” he said.
(This program is a great help to the LGU, not just for the officials but especially for the fishermen who are affected by these interventions and will benefit from this project. Hopefully, this project will materialize to provide assistance, especially now that the effects of climate change are becoming severe, and mitigation is needed. If we are affected, we need to be resilient. We should not lose hope when hit; instead, we must stand up.)
In addition to regular projects such as the distribution of fingerlings, BFAR Lanao del Norte Provincial Fishery Officer Jerose G. Acut announced the establishment of a legislated marine multi-species hatchery in Sultan Naga Dimaporo. Another hatchery is under construction in Balo-i town for multi-species freshwater. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
