BFAR FishCore Project - FMA 6

31/07/2026

31/07/2026

30/07/2026

Around 500 fisherfolk received social, livelihood and information, education, and communication (IEC) materials during the social protection for fisherfolk caravan held in Subic, Zambales on July 29, 2026.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - FishCoRe Project participated during the event and has distributed IEC materials related to fisheries and the Project. Specific IECs distributed are leaflets, notepads, newsletters, raincoat and drawstring bags.

The IEC distribution aims to inform participants of the existing fishery laws and ordinances, how to manage and conserve specific fish species, and introduce the FishCoRE Project and its development goals and objectives and the services fisherfolks can avail from it. Meanwhile, the raincoats and bags that were given were just in time since the monsoon season has already begun.

BFAR that serves as the mother agency of the FishCoRe Project will continue to work together to share relevant and up-to-date information for public consumption.//

📝MJMetwa
📸John David Fernandez

23/07/2026

Highlighting Success: A Midyear Review of the FMA 6 Fishcore Project Accomplishments

The overall accomplishment of the Fisheries Management Area 6 (FMA 6) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project was presented during the FMA 6 mid-year planning and review held in Clark, Pampanga from July 21-23, 2026.

Among the primary accomplishment of the Fisheries and Coastal Resilient Resource Planning and Management (FISHCRRM) Component of the Project is the formulation of two Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) and the ongoing finalization of the aquaculture and development management plan (ADMP).

The FMP for the mackerel scad (Decapterus macarellus) was approved by the FMA 6 management board (MB) and the legal review of the Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) for the conservation and management of the same fish species is complete. The FAO is now being finalized for NFARMC approval. Meanwhile, the FMP for greater lizard fish (Saurida tumbil) was already adopted by the MB last June 10, 2026. For the boat and gear inventory, the Project went above its target accomplishment at 106% while the aquaculture farm profiling is already at 72.88%.

The Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Index Tool (I-FIT) on the other hand, was rolled out to 96 local government units (LGUs) and provided support and training to strengthen capacity of enforcement, monitoring control, and surveillance (MCS) and operations centers, stations and LGU counterparts.

For the Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investment (MARLIN) Component, the livelihood diversification and development subcomponent 1.1 have 89 subprojects amounting to ₱193.60million. 29 subprojects were already completed, three for awarding, 11 for procurement while the remaining subprojects is for issuance of no-objection letter (NOL), preparation of environmental and social management plan (ESMP), scoping and pre-scoping.

For the MARLIN aquaculture and fisheries enterprise development subcomponent 2.2, the Project have 18 enterprise subprojects amounting to ₱221.70million. meanwhile, 6 aquaculture business technology incubator (ABTIs) are proposed for funding under the project. Finalization of ESMP for said proposals are on-going.

On the other hand, forty-one subprojects are under the MARLIN aquaculture and fisheries infrastructure sub-component 2.3. Three subprojects were already completed, 7 is under construction and 2 is under procurement while the remaining is under the issuance of NOL, preparation of ESMP, for scoping and pre-scoping.

The Support to Project Implementation and Management component, also considered as the backbone of the Project, is continuously working with all components to ensure the smooth delivery of development services to target stakeholders.

Issues, concerns and challenges in the implementation of the Project are also discussed and recommendations are gathered from all participating regions for the effective and smooth implementation and collaboration in the achievement of the FishCoRe goals and objectives.//

20/07/2026

𝐅𝐂𝐔𝟏 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐂𝐨𝐑𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐨-𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜, 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
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‎Throughout the training, participants gained hands-on experience in administering the E-SEAMS survey instrument, using the Open Data Kit (ODK) application for digital data collection, applying standardized interview protocols, and conducting mock interviews and field simulation exercises. These activities prepared them for actual field surveys in the municipalities of Labrador, Anda, Bolinao, and Sual (LABS) in Pangasinan; Pasuquin, Laoag City, Paoay, Currimao, and Badoc in Ilocos Norte; and Sinait, San Juan, Cabugao, and Magsingal in Ilocos Sur.
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‎By equipping enumerators and BFAR personnel with the necessary technical knowledge and practical skills, the training helps ensure the collection of accurate and consistent socio-economic and ecosystem valuation data across FishCoRe project sites. The information gathered through the E-SEAMS and TCM surveys will provide essential baseline data for the development of Coastal and Marine Habitat Protection, Rehabilitation, and Management Plans (CMHPRMPs), supporting evidence-based fisheries management and the long-term protection and sustainable use of coastal and marine resources in Region 1.

18/07/2026

Enhancing Food Security: Highlighting the Critical Role of Processors, Traders, and Market Organizations in Sustainable Fisheries

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project convened with Processors, Traders and Market Organizations from the fisheries sector for a consultation meeting to share updates on policies and regulations relative to fisheries post-harvest industry, share insights and open possible market linkages between the organizations and business entities in Clark, Pampanga from July 14-16, 2026.

During the activity, updates regarding the Aquaculture Development and Management Plan (ADMP) and its effect to the processors, traders and market sector was discussed. A workshop related to the ADMP was done to identify the hidden costs or bottlenecks that eat away the business operations of the sector and discuss the ADMP and what it means to their businesses focusing on the three pillars of the plan specifically the aqua-zoning and carrying capacity, aqua-industrial business corridors and traceability and catch/harvest documentation.

Sub-projects covered under the FishCoRe’s Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investment (MARLIN) component was also presented opening windows of opportunity for the post-harvest sector. Mr. Christopher Aldo Sibayan, the Chairperson of the Samahang Magbabangus ng Pangasinan (SAMAPA) and at the same time, the Management Board Representative for the Processors, Traders and Market Organizations Sector shared about his concept study titled “Bangus Industry: Post Harvest Insights.”

In his message, Regional Director Wilfredo M. Cruz reiterated the important role of the market, traders and the processors sector saying that they are the vital link between the municipal and commercial fishery to the dining table of the public. “Your sector plays an indispensable role in ensuring food security, maintaining thematic stability and driving sustainable trade,” he added.

Neil Kenneth P. Catibog, FishCoRe Alternate Focal thanked the participants for sharing their insights and expertise during the activity. “We thank you for your time, especially for your inputs during the workshop because now, we have seen the gaps that will serve as guide in crafting appropriate policies and strategies not just for your sector but for all the other fishery sectors.”

Meanwhile, Barbara Morota from the Nuevo Fuesco Marine Trading thanked BFAR and the Project for an informative consultation and for considering their comments and suggestions.

Present during the three-day activity are market, traders and processors from the Fisheries Management Area 6 covered regions specifically Regions I, III, 4A, 4B, Cordillera Administrative Region and the National Capital Region.//

16/07/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐆 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰!

You may now access KATIG Volume 2, Issue 1 (January–June 2026) by scanning the QR code or by visiting: https://fishcore.bfar.da.gov.ph/.../fishcore-publications/

Katig is the official publication of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources' Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project, featuring the latest milestones, accomplishments, and initiatives of the Project.

This issue highlights the awarding of 49 Livelihood Subprojects, the completion of 6 Infrastructure Projects, the FISHCORExhibit 2026 Champion, and other significant project updates.

For comments or suggestions, you may contact us at [email protected].

𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐃: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐆 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰!

You may now access KATIG Volume 2, Issue 1 (January–June 2026) by scanning the QR code or by visiting: https://fishcore.bfar.da.gov.ph/index.php/fishcore-publications/

Katig is the official publication of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources' Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project, featuring the latest milestones, accomplishments, and initiatives of the Project.

This issue highlights the awarding of 49 Livelihood Subprojects, the completion of 6 Infrastructure Projects, the FISHCORExhibit 2026 Champion, and other significant project updates.

For comments or suggestions, you may contact us at [email protected].