By Rollin Dave M. Elloren

GITAGUM, Misamis Oriental – To promote unity, strengthen leadership capacities, and support the organizational development of small-scale fishers in the region, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), conducted a three-day training on Values Formation and Team Building from July 2 to 4 in Gitagum, Misamis Oriental.

A total of 35 members of the Matanga Women’s Fisherfolk Association gathered for an in-depth training focused on the core values of leadership, accountability, cooperation and community service—key elements in building a strong and unified foundation for the association.

According to Rebeca Andong, Fisheries Specialist and National Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF) Project Coordinator, the workshop is aimed to foster a shared understanding and unified vision among participants, ensuring that all members are aligned and working collectively toward the growth of their organization.

“As members, we each hold a vital role in contributing to the organization’s growth and success. Through active participation, we not only fulfill our responsibilities but also gain meaningful benefits from being part of a strong and purpose-driven organization,” added Andong.

She also expressed hope that the training would inspire a shift in perspective among participants—encouraging them to fully embrace their roles within the association and recognize the value of unity, mutual support and organizational development.

A key highlight of the activity was an interactive workshop that engaged participants in group reflections, values-based discussions and team-building exercises. These activities were thoroughly designed to strengthen their sense of accountability, unity and shared commitment as members of the association.

As part of the program, resource speaker Dr. Pedro H. Baula delivered an insightful session on Filipino socio-psychological values and leadership management. His discussion complemented the workshop by fostering resilience and optimism, and also boosting participants’ confidence and motivation to address everyday challenges within their communities.

The training further emphasized the vital role of women’s leadership in the fisheries sector, encouraging women fisherfolk to take on more active and influential roles in both organizational governance and community development. Building on the outcomes of this activity, a subsequent capacity-building training was set for July 8 to 10, 2025, in Gitagum—this time targeting the newly established Burnay Women’s Fisherfolk Association. As a new organization, the group will undergo similar sessions to help lay a strong foundation for inclusive and empowered community participation.

Both activities were conducted under the FAO–Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) project, “Empowering Women in Small-Scale Fisheries for Sustainable Food Systems,” a global initiative that promotes gender equity, strengthens capacities in fisheries value chains, and supports climate-resilient livelihoods and food systems across the Philippines.