Jennifer Quintilla

JIMENEZ, Misamis Occidental — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), through the Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) Misamis Occidental, convened the 2nd semestral meeting of the Misamis Occidental Federated Fisherfolk Association (MOFFA) on August 26, 2025, at La Elena, Butuay, Jimenez, Misamis Occidental.

Delegates from various municipal fisherfolk associations across the province actively participated in the meeting, discussing concerns on declining fish catch, post-harvest losses, coastal management, market access, and livelihood opportunities.

PFO staff and focal person Jhonrey Barrientos, representing OIC-PFO Virginia Valde and BFAR-10 Regional Director Edward Yasay, underscored the value of sustained dialogue between fisherfolk leaders and BFAR. He noted that the meeting fostered stronger collaboration and ensured that grassroots issues and concerns  with the community are incorporated into provincial and regional programs.

Adding provincial support, Judahlyn Saceda, representing the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, affirmed the Province’s commitment to work hand-in-hand with BFAR-10 and fisherfolk organizations. She also relayed the gratitude of Governor Henry Oaminal to BFAR for its interventions, particularly the “Banca Ko, Gawa Ko” project.

 “Mapasalamaton kaayo ang atong Gobernador sa tabang sa BFAR labi na niadtong shearline incident. Dili lang banca ang nahatag, apan apil usab ang Php 10,000 nga start-up capital alang sa mga asawa sa atong mga mananagat. Gimonitor namo kini aron masiguro nga makahatag kini og dugang kita sa ilang pamilya,” Saceda said.

MOFFA officers, on the other hand, shared that the federation is in the process of securing registration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental. They emphasized that official registration would solidify MOFFA’s legitimacy, granting it wider access to support, programs, and resources for its fisherfolk members.

The meeting wrapped up with firm commitments to strengthen coordination, sustain consultations, and advance collaborative efforts for the growth and resilience of Misamis Occidental’s fisherfolk communities.