by Amor Ledon Bajarla

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin (Mar. 03) – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Northern Mindanao (BFAR-10), through the Regional Project Implementing Unit-9 (RPIU-9) and FMA-9 Coordinating Unit-10 (FCU-10), in collaboration with the National Project Monitoring Office (NPMO) of the Fisheries Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project and the World Bank, and with the assistance from the Provincial Fishery Office in Camiguin (PFO-Camiguin), conducted the 4th Implementation Support Mission (ISM) of the FishCoRe Project in Camiguin from February 28 to March 2, 2025.

The three-day mission aimed to assess the viability of proposals from various People’s Organizations (POs) seeking support for sustainable fisheries and livelihood projects.

Evaluating Fisherfolk Proposals

The support mission included visits to multiple fisherfolk associations across the province to evaluate their proposed initiatives directed at improving operations, enhancing sustainability, and boosting income generation, which will be submitted to the Grant Proposal Review Committee of FCU-10 for review and approval.

The targeted beneficiaries in Camiguin are the following:

1. Tupsan Fisherfolk Association (Mambajao)
2. Kahugpongan sa Masilakong Mananagat (KASAMMA) (Sagay)
3. Benoni Fisherfolks Association (Mahinog)
4. Lagoon Seashell Association (Mahinog)
5. United Fisherfolk Organization of Cantaan (Guinsiliban)

Visits to Key BFAR-10 Fisheries Facilities

In addition to meeting the fisherfolk organizations, the team also inspected PFO-Camiguin and  two Technology Outreach Stations in Benoni and Sagay.

These facilities play a crucial role in the management of bangus broodstocks and the production of bangus fingerlings, ensuring sustainable fisheries in the province.

Fisherfolk Express Gratitude

During the site visits, local fisherfolk shared their appreciation for the support and opportunities presented by the FishCoRe Project. 

KASAMMA President Fernando Ocaba, expressing the same sentiment with that of the other beneficiaries, said:

“Salamat kaayo sa BFAR-10, kay RD Yasay ug sa World Bank sa pagbisita sa amoa para makita ang among kahimtang. Pinaagi sa FishCoRe, dako kaayo among paglaom nga matabangan kami sa among asosasyon sa among panginabuhian ug pag-atiman sa kadagatan sa isla.”

(“Thank you very much to BFAR-10, RD Yasay, and the World Bank for visiting us and seeing our situation firsthand. Through FishCoRe, we have high hopes that our association will receive the assistance we need for our livelihood and in taking care of the island’s marine resources.”)

Exit Conference and Ways Forward

The visits concluded with an Exit Conference, where the proposals submitted were recapitulated and discussed.

The mission provided valuable insights into the needs and the issues and concerns of Camiguin’s fishing communities, ensuring that the FishCoRe Project continues to drive sustainable fisheries management and livelihood development in the province.

BFAR-10 Director Edward Yasay assured the NPMO and World Bank of the RPIU-9 and FCU-10’s commitment towards the effective implementation of the FishCoRe Project, not only in Camiguin and Northern Mindanao, but the whole Fisheries Management Area (FMA)-9 as well.

On her end, Jingjie Chu, team leader of the World Bank for the FishCoRe Project, thanked the BFAR-10 FishCoRe Team for their assistance and support in the successful conduct of the mission. 

Chu noted the competitive spirit of the group, culminating in the comprehensive approach towards the evaluation of the proposals, taking into consideration both the guidelines of the project and the needs of the beneficiaries.

This mission marks another milestone in enhancing the resilience and productivity of Camiguin’s fisheries sector, reinforcing the commitment of BFAR-10, the World Bank, and local stakeholders toward sustainable and inclusive economic growth.