By Rollin Dave M. Elloren

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — To ensure the sustainable management of sardine resources in Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 9, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), through its Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project Subcomponent 1.1, (Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management Planning and Institutions), spearheaded a four-day training titled “Enhancing Law Enforcement Capabilities: Implementing the Sardines Fisheries Management Plan,” held from June 9 to 12 at New Dawn Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. 

The event gathered around 80 participants from FMA Coordinating Units (FCUs) 7, 8, 9, 10, and 13—including personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police Maritime Group, deputized fish wardens, and BFAR’s Enforcement and Regional Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Operations Centers (ERMCSOC). 

In his opening remarks, Atty. Roland B. Intud, Fisheries and Coastal Resilient Resource Planning and Management (FishCRRM) Component Lead, welcomed the participants, underscoring the importance of the training in refreshing and rebriefing law enforcers on current procedures and protocols under the amended Philippine Fisheries Code (RA 10654).

“This training is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively implement fisheries laws—particularly those related to the use of fine mesh nets, the responsibilities of deputized fish wardens, and the proper filing of administrative cases, including the preparation of legal forms,” he stated.

The training covers a comprehensive set of topics, including regulatory frameworks, enforcement protocols, inter-agency coordination, and community engagement strategies. Participants are also undergoing hands-on workshops on measuring gear mesh sizes and drafting legal forms related to the filing of administrative cases—skills crucial to enforcing fisheries laws on the ground.

Meanwhile, FishCRRM RPIU 9 Alternate Lead Karen D. Peñero reiterated the rationale behind the initiative, stating that the activity plays a pivotal role in enhancing the enforcement of the Fisheries Management Plan.

 “We aim to provide our fisheries enforcers with the tools and confidence to carry out their mandate effectively. Strengthening enforcement is essential to the successful implementation of our Fisheries Management Plans,” she said.

Further emphasizing the collaborative approach, Princess Mae T. Cena, focal person for FishCRRM subcomponent 1.1, highlighted the need for adaptive and data-informed policymaking in response to evolving environmental conditions.

“That’s why we are here—because we need to work together. If we observe declining catches, then it’s a sign to revisit and revise our policies. But those revisions must be based on solid planning and data. Your presence here reflects your role as both enforcers and contributors to policy formulation,” she stated.

Overall, this training activity is a vital step in promoting sustainable fisheries practices and ensuring the long-term viability of sardine stocks—resources that are crucial to food security and coastal livelihoods.

Notably, despite the observance of a national holiday on June 12, participants are expected to continue with the program, reflecting their strong commitment to marine conservation and effective fisheries governance.