VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) conducted the Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) project roadshow cum orientation for some 250 fisherfolks from the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte on May 2.
 
This was held at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood and Development Center in this city with municipal and city agriculturists, environmental and natural resources officers, fishery coordinators, and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARM-C) chairpersons, among others.
 
The FishCoRe project is a new approach of the agency that aims to ensure national food security, and sustainability of livelihood and resources for fisherfolks and coastal communities in Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs) 6 and 9, which cover 24 provinces in 11 regions in the country.

The coastal waters covered under FMA 6 are off the West Philippine Sea, including Pagudpud Bay, Subic Bay, Manila Bay to Lubang Island.
 
FMA 9 covers the coastal and marine waters in the Bohol Sea, Panguil Bay, Iligan Bay, Gingoog Bay, Butuan Bay, and Sogod Bay.
 
BFAR-Region 1 Director Rosario Segundina Gaerlan said, “Ang FishCoRe ay isang pondo na nanggaling sa World Bank, at ito po ay isang loan na kailangan po nating ipatupad ng maayos para maganda po ang kahihinatnan.”
 
(FishCoRe is a loan provided by the World Bank for the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency Project, which requires effective implementation to ensure positive outcomes.)

“We are here because we are interested in knowing what services and programs we can be part of so that we can tell the governor our needs, and so the World Bank can help us financially with our goals,” said Danny Garcia, municipal FARM-C chairperson of Magsingal town.
 
"This program aligns perfectly with our focus at the Bangui Institute of Technology, a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-accredited training center specializing in fisheries. We can directly apply these learnings to our students enrolled in aquaculture and fisheries courses," stated Carlo Carizal, the institute's administrator.
 
"For TESDA Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, this initiative presents a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resilience project, particularly for Ilocos Norte, one of the beneficiary provinces," Carizal added.

Governor Jeremias Singson expressed his appreciation to BFAR for bringing the FishCoRe project to Ilocos Sur.
 
He emphasized his hope that the province's fisherfolk can actively participate in and benefit from the program.

“Our objective now is to multiply our fisheries and protect our oceans. Dahil kung sisirain natin ang kanilang tahanan, naturally they will not have a habitat; it is that simple. We have to protect our very own natural resources and environment,” Governor Sigson said.
 
(Our objective now is to multiply our fisheries and protect our oceans. Because if we destroy their home, naturally they will not have a habitat; it is that simple. We have to protect our very own natural resources and environment.)

He also encouraged, “Let us continue our vision for healthy and clean aquatic resources where our marine biodiversity can thrive.”
 
The attendees were oriented on fisheries and coastal resilient resource planning and management, modern and resilient livelihood investments, and support for project implementation. (JCR/AMB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)