by Christine Lyn Viajante

MACABALAN, Cagayan de Oro City (Nov. 11)  โ€” Aimed to gather critical insights into the unique needs and proposed projects for fiscal year (FY) 2026, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), through its Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Unit (PMEU), had recently concluded a series of province-wide consultations across Northern Mindanao in the past month.

The initiative engaged local government units (LGUs) and fishery stakeholders in Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Camiguin to strengthen the bureau’s commitment to supporting sustainable fisheries and resource management in the region.

This consultation series, beginning in Bukidnon and concluding in Camiguin, marks BFAR-10’s proactive approach to directly assessing the local fisheries sector’s challenges, prioritizing development goals, and ensuring resource allocation aligns with the pressing needs of the regionโ€™s coastal and inland fishing communities.

The regional office has committed to an inclusive planning process, involving LGU representatives, fisherfolk associations, and stakeholders from capture fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Understanding Needs and Challenges

Each consultation began with a situational analysis of the provinceโ€™s fisheries sector, using comparative reports from both the BFAR-10 and the Philippine Authority (PSA) over the last three years.

In Bukidnon, where inland fisheries are crucial to the local economy, LGU representatives highlighted the need for technical training in aquaculture practices for African catfish (hito). They asked for updates about the culture of new emerging commodities like crawfish, with enhanced support for hatchery projects throughout the landlocked province.

Meanwhile, Misamis Oriental representatives discussed heightening marine resource management, focusing on reducing illegal fishing activities along the province’s coastlines and inquiries about the Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project.

In Misamis Occidental, LGUs presented project proposals focused on post-harvest infrastructure to reduce fish spoilage and eliminate losses thereby improving income for small-scale shellfish and crab producers. A proposal for vigorous multi-species hatchery was also identified as one of the provincial priorities.

Lanao del Norte participants highlighted the importance of addressing water quality management to ensure the long-term viability of their aquaculture farms with emphasis on tiger prawn and seaweed producers. 

Finally, Camiguin, as an island province reliant on both tourism and fisheries, underscored the need for sustainable coastal resource management initiatives that will mostly be answered through the FishCoRe project.

They discussed proposed coral reef conservation programs and community-based ecotourism projects that promote both environmental protection and economic growth.

Charting the Course for Fiscal Year 2026

Throughout the consultations, BFAR-10 presented ongoing programs and offered technical guidance on resource management practices that could support the LGUsโ€™ proposed projects. 

PMEU head, Stephanie Tomarong, emphasized the importance of localized approaches to fisheries development.

โ€œOur province-wide consultations allow us to understand the unique conditions of each community. By listening to our LGU partners, we can tailor our programs to address specific challenges and work together by sharing our commitment to our ultimate clientele, our fisherfolk,โ€ Tomarong underscored.

The information and proposals gathered from this consultation series will play a critical role in BFAR-10’s planning and budgeting for fiscal year 2026. The bureau and LGU representatives exchanged ideas, shared successful practices, and built connections that will reinforce regional collaboration on fisheries and aquatic resource development.

BFAR-10 aims to develop a comprehensive regional action plan that incorporates these inputs to prioritize projects that promote the economic stability and sustainability of Northern Mindanaoโ€™s fisheries sector. (CLViajante//BFAR-10)