CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Around 60 representatives from the different Fisheries Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs), cluster officers, partner agencies, and private stakeholders from across Northern Mindanao convened for the 2nd Regional Fisheries Cluster Conference on November 25–26, 2025, held at Chali Resort and Conference Center in Cugman, this city.

The event, organized by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – 10 (BFAR-10) under the leadership of Regional Director Edward B. Yasay, through its Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) program aims to strengthen the fisherfolk groups by enhancing collaboration, improving productivity, and enabling them to compete more effectively in the market.

Aligned with these objectives, the conference — themed “Panaghiusa sa Mag-uuma ug Mangingisda: Dalan sa Kalig-on ug Kalambuan” — provided a venue to gather key insights and progress achieved under the F2C2 and SAAD Phase 2 programs, strengthening collaborative efforts to boost productivity and broaden market opportunities for fisherfolk.

In his welcome message, BFAR-10 Fisheries Production and Support Services Division Chief Vianney Anthony A. Gapuz emphasized the importance of collaboration in strengthening enterprise development and market access for the fisherfolk in the region.

“By coming together, we reinforce our shared commitment to empowering our fisherfolk, improving productivity, and building resilient and market-ready clusters across Northern Mindanao,” Gapuz stressed.

World Bank and Enterprise Development and Project Management – International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) consultant Gumercindo G. Tumbali delivered the conference’s inspirational message, emphasizing the transformative role of clustering in enabling small-scale fisherfolk to move from subsistence to enterprise.

“Clustering is more than organization. It is solidarity, enterprise, and future-building. It allows small-scale fishers to stand not as isolated individuals, but as organized producers who can negotiate, innovate, and grow,” Tumbali said, noting that Northern Mindanao has the natural and institutional resources to build stronger alliances and create sustainable economic opportunities through organized and empowered clusters.

Meanwhile, extending her support, Dr. Viralou L. Tuquib, DA-10 OIC–Regional Technical Director for Operations, highlighted the event’s significant convergence in building resilient, market-ready, and community-driven enterprises across Northern Mindanao.

“It is our commitment to deepen enterprise development, expand market access, and empower our fisherfolk and farmers to thrive in a competitive and rapidly evolving agri-fishery landscape.” she said.

During the activity, plenary sessions were conducted, where key partner agencies presented their respective programs and interventions aimed at strengthening fisheries enterprise development. Among the highlights were BFAR’s Fisheries Coastal Resiliency Project (FishCoRe), the National Program Management Office (NPMO) on Agricultural Development Areas, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which introduced shared service facilities and enterprise development support for fisherfolk groups. 

In addition, financial and insurance institutions such as the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), Land Bank of the Philippines, and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) discussed accessible credit windows and risk protection mechanisms to help stabilize and expand fisheries operations.

Further, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) discussed cooperative development and organizational strengthening to improve governance within fisherfolk associations. Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and other private sector partners shared insights on technological innovations, market facilitation, enterprise upgrading, and value-adding opportunities aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of fisheries-based enterprises.

DA F2C2 Central Office Project Development Officer II, Katrinne Grace Anonuevo-Reyes, delivered a message on behalf of DA-F2C2 Program Director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr., highlighting that the conference aims to bring together fisherfolk, agri-fishery enterprises, value chain partners, and policymakers to share knowledge, review experiences, and identify opportunities for productivity enhancement, value chain integration, and sustainable resource management.

“Sa pamamagitan ng mas matibay na koordinasyon at inobasyon, sama-sama nating isusulong ang isang mas produktibo, mas mapanatag, at mas matatag na sektor ng pangisdaan—isang sektor na tunay na nagpapalakas sa kabuhayan ng ating mga komunidad,” she said.

Participants also engaged in a Business-to-Business (B2B) matching session that linked fisherfolk groups with potential buyers, processors, and consolidators, discussing supply arrangements, product quality, and long-term partnerships. A product exhibit showcased fishery products and innovations, while open forums and networking sessions provided opportunities for stakeholders to share best practices, raise concerns, and explore collaborative initiatives.

Looking ahead, the 2nd Regional Fisheries Cluster Conference concluded with consolidated commitments from government agencies, fisherfolk associations, cooperatives, and partners to continue efforts toward a more empowered, competitive, and sustainable fisheries sector.