by Marvin Pamisa

Various stakeholders across Northern Mindanao raised concerns and queries regarding the Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project during simultaneous provincial roadshows organized by Fisheries Coordinating Unit (FCU) 10, held from September 17-20, 2024, in Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Occidental.

Attended by more than 100 stakeholders, the roadshows featured in-depth discussions about the project’s three key components: FishCRRM, MARLIN, and SuPrIM. An additional presentation on Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) was provided to guide Local Government Units (LGUs) interested in submitting project proposals.

“We’re very fortunate that Region 10 is one of the 11 regions selected for FishCoRe implementation. This presents a great opportunity for LGUs to benefit their fisherfolk and communities,” said Mercy Faburada, Assistant Technical Coordinator for the Regional Project Implementing Unit (RPIU) – 9, during her opening remarks.

During the open forums, stakeholders posed questions about the types of projects they could propose and the necessary documentary requirements. LGU representatives also emphasized the need for capacity-building in proposal writing to improve their chances of being selected for infrastructure and livelihood interventions.

Speakers from RPIU 9 and FCU 10 addressed these concerns and reminded LGUs that proposals must comply with ESS standards, particularly in line with World Bank requirements.

“We’re grateful to have learned more about the FishCoRe Project through this roadshow, and we hope that continued technical assistance at the LGU level will help us support our local fisherfolk,” shared a Board Member from Camiguin Province.

Stakeholders included members of various bay alliances, LGUs, and National Government Agencies (NGAs), such as the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Education (DepEd) among others.

These stakeholders will play a role in the seven-year FishCoRe Project. (MPamisa//FishCoRe)