The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in MIMAROPA, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro, conducted the first-ever Fisheries Forum in the region from March 25 to 27 in Calapan City.
According to BFAR MIMAROPA, this forum is a pioneering move for fisheries management, which aims to advance MIMAROPA’s digital infrastructure and cooperative development in the fisheries sector.
Regional Director Roberto Abrera is optimistic that this event will evolve into an annual platform for knowledge sharing and further development within the fisheries sector.
“Bilang isang hakbang tungo sa mas matibay na sektor ng pangingisda, ang pagbuo ng isang taunang forum na ito ay mahalaga upang mapalaganap ang mga best practices, mapalakas ang kooperasyon at higit sa lahat, matulungan ang mga mangingisda sa MIMAROPA,” Abrera said.
Hope J. Relayson, chief of the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division, introduced the agency’s extension services where she discussed the legal framework and procedural flow of the Fisheries Extension Program.
“Ang extension program po ng BFAR na ito ay naglalayong tiyakin ang tamang proseso at pagkakaroon ng mga makatarungang benepisyo para sa mga mangingisda, lalo na sa mga lugar na nangangailangan ng tulong mula sa gobyerno upang mapabuti ang kanilang kabuhayan,” she said.
Meanwhile, Joann P. Binondo, Overall Program Manager of the Sustainable Tuna Program under World Wide Fund (WWF) Philippines, cited the role of non-government organizations (NGOs) in supporting sustainable fisheries.
“The role of NGOs is to serve as a partner of government agencies and local fishermen to ensure that the ocean’s natural resources are conserved and developed without sacrificing the long-term benefits of the communities,” she explained.
She cited the importance of NGO involvement in the fisheries sector and their advocacy for sustainable fisheries practices.
“NGOs help bridge the gap between policy-making and grassroots efforts, providing technical expertise, advocacy and community support through collaborating with both the government and local fisherfolk,” Binondo said.
Field visits to the Brackish Freshwater Technology Station in Barcenaga in Naujan town, and the BFAR MIMAROPA Regional Office in Sapul, Calapan City provided participants with knowledge about aquaculture advancements and the regional operations.
With this first-ever gathering setting the stage for continued collaboration, BFAR MIMAROPA is hopeful that the forum would become a regular fixture in the fisheries sector, providing a sustainable platform for learning, cooperation and growth. (AS/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro/With photo and information from BFAR)
