Jessie Chris Apales

LOPEZ JAENA, Misamis Occidental — With the goal of building stronger, more values-driven community organizations for women in small-scale fisheries, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-10 (BFAR-10), through its Provincial Fisheries Office in Misamis Occidental (PFO-MOC) in partnership with LGU Lopez Jaena, officially kicked off the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO) Philippines-funded three-day training on Values Formation and Team Building on June 18, 2025, at Alman’s Park and Learning Site, Mansabay Alto, this town.

The activity was attended by members of the Eastern Poblacion Small-Scale Women Fisherfolk Association, with the goal to strengthen values, appreciate teamwork, and promote unity, which are essential for the sustainable growth and effective management of their association.

The women-participants who are engaged in gleaning, processing, and other fisheries-based livelihoods, underwent a series of interactive workshops and reflections that emphasizes the value of leadership, integrity, communication, and cooperation, primarily to foster solidarity and equip them with the moral compass and collaborative mindset as association members and community leaders.

“This is more than just a training, it’s a stepping stone to a more organized, resilient, and empowered women’s association. When values are strong, leadership follows — and when women lead together, communities thrive,” Rebecca Andong, UNFAO National Project Coordinator, said.

Beyond personal development, the activity also supports the broader vision of inclusive coastal development by enhancing the management and long-term success of women-led organizations in fisheries. It resonates strongly with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

As the training continues until June 20, participants are expected to co-develop strategic action plans for their association and reaffirm their commitment to active participation, ethical leadership, and community stewardship. The women fisherfolk of Lopez Jaena Eastern Poblacion are now stepping up — not only as fishers and workers, but as future empowered individuals and enablers of fisheries development.