by: Patricia Aisabelle Rosales

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To reinforce inter-agency collaboration in assessing the five-year annual fisheries production performance in Northern Mindanao, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region – 10 (BFAR-10) convened a Regional Meeting on Fisheries Production Data on February 27, 2026, at the Regional Operations Fisherfolk Training Center in Macabalan.

Present at the meeting were Regional and Provincial Officers, including Division Chiefs, Section Heads, and representatives from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to review the latest production data for aquaculture, municipal, and commercial fisheries in the region from 2021 to 2025.

Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Regional Director Edward B. Yasay, Mr. Brian Sanggoyod, OIC of the Aquaculture Unit and SAAD Alternate Assistant Focal Person, conveyed his appreciation to the PSA representatives for their continued partnership, collaboration, and patience in strengthening fisheries data management.

He further underscored the vital role of strong cooperation and sustained collaboration in ensuring that fisheries production statistics remain accurate, timely, and responsive to the evolving demands of the sector. He stressed that this partnership serves as a foundation for developing more effective, data-driven programs that directly benefit fisherfolk and other key stakeholders.

During the meeting, the participants evaluated fisheries production trends to identify key performance drivers and areas needing improvement. Presenting the data was Ms. Christine T. Gallopin, Senior Statistical Specialist of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), who provided a comprehensive analysis of Northern Mindanao’s fisheries production from 2021 to 2025, covering total regional output, provincial disaggregation, and the respective contributions of aquaculture, commercial, marine municipal, and inland municipal fisheries subsectors.

The data showed that the total fisheries production in the region declined from 2022 to 2023, with the drastic decrease recorded in 2023. Fish production fell to 60,555 metric tons (MT), representing a 36.9% decrease from the 96,025 MT recorded in 2024, mainly due to declines in aquaculture, commercial, and municipal fisheries.

Aquaculture production dropped by 48.17% due to insufficient supply of fingerlings, high feed costs, poor water quality, and unfavorable weather conditions affecting brackish water, freshwater, and seaweed farming. Commercial fishing decreased by 39.67% because of fewer operational vessels, rising costs, and seasonal fish availability, while municipal fishing declined by 27.46% due to high fuel prices, poor catch, unfavorable weather conditions, and alternative and secondary livelihoods.

Despite the overall decline, increases were recorded in brackish water fish cages, marine fish cages, and marine fish pens, supported by government programs and increased adoption of these culture systems.

However, the sector demonstrated signs of recovery, posting growth in 2024 and 2025. Provincial trends varied, with some provinces exhibiting strong rebounds while others continued to experience production declines in certain subsectors.

Participants also examined five-year provincial production trends, sectoral percentage shares, and shifting contributions across provinces, highlighting how production patterns differ depending on geographic and resource conditions.

During the open forum, Provincial Fisheries Officers raised concerns regarding certain data figures, particularly the reported 2021 aquaculture production in Camiguin, where Green mussels output appeared significantly higher than what was observed in the field.

This discussion highlighted the importance of continuous coordination between provincial offices and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to strengthen data validation, enhance survey methodologies, and ensure that published statistics accurately reflect actual on-the-ground conditions.

PSA representatives acknowledged the concerns raised and reaffirmed the importance of conducting regular data reviews, exchanging supplementary and field-based information, and maintaining formal communication channels to further enhance data validation and statistical processes.

“This is the importance of having this kind of collaboration or meeting — we gain a clearer understanding of each other’s data and exchange information on how these figures are generated, both on the part of the agency and the PSA,” said Sarah B. Balagbis, Chief Statistical Specialist of PSA Region 10, emphasizing the value of sustained coordination. She further noted that fisheries surveys are continuously being improved to uphold the integrity, reliability, and relevance of official statistics.

The meeting ended with both agencies expressing a collective resolve and hope that ongoing coordination will improve data quality and guide effective policies and programs that support the sustainable development of the fisheries sector and the welfare of fisherfolk across Northern Mindanao.