ILOILO CITY (PIA) -- Significant learnings and innovations were tackled in the recently concluded Fisheries Management Area (FMA) Summit of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, co-organized with the Oceana Philippines.

BFAR Regional Director Remia A. Aparri presented the innovations and experiences of FMA 11, dubbing this as the “FMA of many firsts” in the country.

"Even before the FMAs were institutionalized, Visayan Sea already exhibited the characteristics of an FMA since 2017. We had a management council, our own scientific advisory group, and a technical working group.  Transitioning to FMA 11 was quite a challenge because it would mean a much bigger scope for the BFAR 6, but know that we don’t have to start from scratch," narrated Aparri during her presentation.

The stakeholders, led by BFAR National Director Demosthenes R. Escoto, likewise pledged their commitment to ensure a science-based, participatory, and transparent governance of the FMAs.

Meanwhile, BFAR 7 Regional Director Mario N. Ruinata emphasized the varied experiences of each FMA and the importance of data-driven and participatory policy-making.

He added that a grandiose FMA Summit in the coming years is to be expected to reach a much wider stakeholder group and to feature the best practices that each FMA can learn from one another.

In a BFAR statement, it was noted that the summit served as a platform for stakeholders to share their contributions and reaffirm their dedication towards the effective implementation of the FMAs, contributing to a food-secure Philippines for future generations. (AAL/AGP/PIA 6)