Butuan Bay Development Alliance

13/08/2026

𝐁𝐁𝐃𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐀𝐃𝐈 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞

𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐞, 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 | 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟖–𝟑𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – Personnel from various Local Government Units, the Butuan Bay Development Alliance (BBDA), and the DA Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga successfully completed the PADI Open Water Course, strengthening their technical capacity in underwater ecological monitoring.

The training was sponsored by the DA BFAR through the Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency Project (FishCoRe), a World Bank-funded project. It aims to equip local stakeholders and partners within Fisheries Management Area 9 (FMA 9) with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct underwater ecological assessments and monitoring.

The course provides participants with practical scuba diving skills that can support the monitoring of coral reefs, marine habitats, and other underwater ecosystems. These technical capabilities are essential in generating reliable information that can guide science-based decision-making and strengthen the management and conservation of coastal and marine resources.

The participation of BBDA stakeholders in the training also strengthens the Alliance’s technical capacity to contribute to ecological monitoring not only within Butuan Bay, but across the wider FMA 9. With the region's coastal and marine ecosystems interconnected, building a network of capable local stakeholders is vital to developing a unified and effective approach to resource management.

The BBDA expresses its gratitude to DA BFAR and FishCoRe for providing this valuable opportunity. The training further strengthens the partnership among local governments, BFAR, and other stakeholders in advancing sustainable fisheries management, marine conservation, and coastal resilience throughout FMA 9.

10/08/2026

𝐁𝐁𝐃𝐀 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧

𝐁𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚, 𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞 – On August 6, 2026, the The Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Butuan Bay Development Alliance (BBDA) convened to discuss and provide input on the proposed bill to create the Butuan Bay Development Authority. The discussion is a significant step toward establishing a dedicated mechanism to strengthen the coordination, governance, and management of the coastal and marine resources of Butuan Bay.

The proposed authority seeks to provide a more harmonized approach among the local government units and stakeholders surrounding the bay. Through stronger institutional coordination, policies and programs can be better aligned to address the shared challenges affecting Butuan Bay and its coastal communities.

Another key highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the FMA 9 Sardines Fisheries Management Plan for adoption at the Butuan Bay level. The plan provides a unified framework for managing sardine fisheries within FMA 9 and the wider Bohol Sea, recognizing the importance of coordinated fisheries management across local government boundaries.

The adoption of the FMA 9 Sardines FMP in Butuan Bay is vital in ensuring a unified approach to sardine fisheries management. Since fish and marine ecosystems do not recognize political boundaries, conservation and management measures must likewise transcend jurisdictional lines. Adopting the plan at the bay level will help harmonize local efforts, strengthen the implementation of management measures, protect sardine stocks, and safeguard the livelihoods and food security of communities that depend on this important fishery.

Through the TWG, the BBDA continues to bring stakeholders together to shape policies and strengthen collective action for the future of Butuan Bay. These efforts reaffirm the Alliance's commitment to unified governance, sustainable fisheries, and the long-term protection of the bay and its communities.

07/08/2026

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 "𝐋𝐚𝐰" 𝐋𝐞𝐦𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐇. 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧

The Butuan Bay Development Alliance extends its warmest birthday greetings to our Chairperson, 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 "𝐋𝐚𝐰" 𝐋𝐞𝐦𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐇. 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧, City Mayor of Butuan.

Thank you for your inspiring leadership, unwavering commitment to public service, and steadfast support for the protection and sustainable management of Butuan Bay. Your vision and dedication continue to guide the Alliance in creating meaningful and lasting impact for our coastal communities.

May God bless you with good health, wisdom, strength, and many more years of dedicated service.

03/08/2026

Look! 👀 Sharing from the Chairperson of the BBDA Mayor Lawrence Lemuel Fortun

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𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗪𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗜𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖o𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗻

Strengthening the city's fisheries sector and post-harvest infrastructure, the City Government of Butuan formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of the City-Wide Ice Plant and Cold Storage Facility. The project aims to improve ice production and cold storage capacity, reduce post-harvest losses, preserve the quality of fishery products, and provide better market opportunities for fisherfolk, ultimately contributing to food security and sustainable livelihood development in Butuan City.

In his message, Mayor Law Fortun said that every partnership is built on a shared vision of serving the people better. He said that collaboration between the local government and its partners allows resources, expertise, and opportunities to be maximized, resulting in programs and initiatives that deliver lasting benefits to communities and contribute to the city's long-term development.

The project is being implemented through the partnership of the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Region XIII under the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project, a World Bank-supported initiative. To be established in Barangay Pagatpatan, the facility will serve as a centralized hub for ice production, blast freezing, cold storage, and fish handling, providing essential post-harvest services to fisherfolk, fish traders, aquaculture operators, and fisheries organizations. Through this partnership, the project is expected to reduce spoilage, preserve product quality, strengthen the fisheries value chain, and create more sustainable economic opportunities for the local fishing sector.

02/08/2026

LOOK! 👀 Sharing from BFAR Caraga

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| Hear from Christy D. Ihada, Fisheries Coordinator of the LGU Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, as she shares how the IUU Fishing Index and Threat Assessment (I-FIT) Tool has strengthened their strategies and planning in enforcing fisheries laws within the city's municipal waters.

Discover how data-driven governance is helping local governments combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and promote sustainable fisheries management.

02/08/2026

Sign up early and be a part of something special! 🎉

The first 100 people in the 10K category will receive a fantastic exclusive event umbrella!

Don’t miss out—reserve your spot today to enjoy this amazing perk! ☂️

Register early. Get rewarded 🎁

The first 100 registrants in the 10K category will receive an exclusive event umbrella ☂️

Secure your spot today and enjoy this limited registration perk before it's gone!

01/08/2026

Your registration comes with a chance to win! 😍

We're giving away 40 exclusive event tumblers to 40 lucky participants during our Race Day Raffle 🎁

Register now, complete the run, and stay tuned coz you could be taking one home!

01/08/2026

Great partnerships help create meaningful events 🤝

Thank you, SM City Butuan, for being the official Venue Partner of MMK OK: Takbo Para sa Malinis at Masaganang Katubigan!

Join us this September 27 as we take every step with a shared purpose for our waterways, our environment, and our community. 🌿💙

Register now: bit.ly/Caraga-MMK-Run-2026

Great partnerships help create meaningful events 🤝

Thank you, SM City Butuan, for being the official Venue Partner of MMK OK: Takbo Para sa Malinis at Masaganang Katubigan!

Join us this September 27 as we take every step with a shared purpose for our waterways, our environment, and our community. 🌿💙

23/07/2026

Registration for the 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻 (𝗠𝗠𝗞), 𝗢𝗞 (Takbo Para sa Malinis at Masaganang Katubigan) in Caraga Region is now officially OPEN! 🌊

Whether you're a seasoned runner or a certified runner-wannabe, this is your sign to lace up, hit the road, and run for a cleaner and healthier future! 💙💚

𝗠𝗠𝗞? 𝗢𝗸𝗮𝘆! 𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗶𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘀𝘀! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Register now and be part of the movement:

https://forms.gle/dyVnELWjQGBpigbVA
https://forms.gle/dyVnELWjQGBpigbVA
https://forms.gle/dyVnELWjQGBpigbVA

🌊🏃 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! 🏃🌊

MMK, OK! "Takbo para sa Malinis at Masaganang Katubigan"

Ready to run with a purpose? Lace up your running shoes and join us as we take every stride toward cleaner, healthier, and more abundant waterways for our communities and future generations.

📅 Date: September 27, 2026
📍 Venue: Butuan City

Race Categories:
🏅 10KM – ₱1,300.00
🏅 5KM – ₱600.00

🎽 Registration Includes:
✅ Official Race Bib
✅ Event Shirt
✅ Finisher Medal
✅ Finisher Shirt (10KM Finishers Only)
✅ An unforgettable race experience

Whether you're a competitive runner, a casual jogger, or someone who simply wants to support a meaningful cause, this event is for you. Invite your family, friends, and colleagues, and be part of a movement that creates a lasting impact.

📲 Scan the QR code to register.

🔥 Register now and secure your slot!

Together, let's make every step count for a cleaner environment and a brighter future. See you at the starting line! 🌊💙🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️