BFAR FishCore Project - FMA 6

𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐂𝐑𝐑𝐌 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The training brought together fisheries professionals from BFAR MIMAROPA and Local Government Unit (LGU) representatives of Looc and Lubang, Occidental Mindoro who play key roles in coastal resource management. Through a combination of classroom lectures and field exercises, participants gained competencies in open water diving and coral reef monitoring using standard scientific methods. Participants first underwent intensive instruction on dive planning, equipment familiarization, underwater communication, buoyancy control, and emergency response procedures. These foundational skills prepared them to safely perform underwater surveys while ensuring minimal disturbance to sensitive marine habitats.

FISHCORE Mid-Year Planning and Review: Strategic Assessments and Future Directions Discussed

The Regional Program Implementing Unit 6 and FMA Coordinating Unit III of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Fisheries and Aquatic Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project in its wont to provide a venue to share the accomplishment of the Project and discuss ways on how to go about the remaining targets of the project gathered in Clark, Pampanga from July 1-3, 2026 for the mid-year planning and assessment.

BFAR Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz in his message said that FishCoRe is a 7-year Project and since we are already half way in the implementation, he encouraged the staff to continue putting in their best efforts, learn from experiences and continue working for the good of our primary stakeholders which are the fisherfolks.

During the three-day event, the physical and financial accomplishment of Project were presented comprehensively by concerned personnel both from RPIU and FCU. The presentations made possible for the identification of bottlenecks in the implementation of the subprojects however, during the discussions that followed, the body were able to come up with strategies on how to close in on the gaps.

Neil Kenneth P. Catibog, FishCoRe Alternate Focal shared that this planning activity is not just for the presentation of project accomplishment but will also serve as an opportunity to discuss on how FMA 6 as a whole, can strategically utilize its financial share of the total budget allotted in the implementation of its various development projects in FMA 6.

The catch-up plan of the Project was drafted as a result of the planning and exchange of ideas between the Project staff and management. This will serve as a compass of the project so that the remaining targets of the Project can be accomplished with ease.//

📝MJMetwa
📷MJM | Danilo Lamyong

The FISHCORE Project convenes for the 2026 ESF Technical Mission in Region III

Central Luzon – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project together with World Bank and Local Government Unit representatives convenes for the 2026 environmental and social framework (ESF) technical mission in Region III from June 25-26, 2026.

The Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) Technical Mission is being conducted as part of the World Bank’s 6th Implementation Support Mission for the FishCoRe Project. The aim is to assess the progress of subproject implementation, review compliance with environmental and social safeguards, conduct field inspections, and engage stakeholders to better understand on-the-ground conditions and challenges.

More importantly, this mission serves as a platform for learning, benchmarking, and sharing of best practices among the Regional Project Implementing Units, FCUs, and partner LGUs. Through these exchanges, we're able to strengthen the implementation of ESF requirements, improve project performance, and ensure that FishCoRe interventions are carried out in a manner that is environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and beneficial to coastal communities.

The ESF technical mission team visited one project site in Iba, Zambales and two proposed project sites in Masinloc, Zambales and Abucay, Bataan. During the site visit, the mission team also had a dialogue with the fisherfolk and representatives from LGU.
The site visit is conducted to check whether the project area and proposed project sites are conducive for the establishment of fishery related development activities and to see whether the subproject, if approved, does not pose any threat to the environment and the communities surrounding it.

On the other hand, the dialogue with the fisherfolks served as a venue for the mission team to learn about the proponent groups and their subprojects from the fisherfolks perspective themselves. The findings of the mission were initially cascaded to the proponent groups to guide them in enhancing their project proposals. Recommendations were also made for the ongoing project. The final results of the mission findings will be handed over to the Project in the form of an aide memoire.

The mission team visited the proposed project site for the proposed Construction of Jetty Port with Breakwater by the LOCAL Government Unit of Masinloc in Masinloc, Zambales and the proposed Construction of Ulang Hatchery and Grow-out Ponds with Small Scale Laboratory by the Bataan Peninsula State University- Abucay Campus in Abucay, Bataan. Both subprojects fall under the Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investments (MARLIN) Sub-Component 2.3 Aquaculture & Fisheries Infrastructure.

During the dialogue, Ms. Jingjie Chu, World Bank Task Team Leader encouraged proponents of the Project to revise their project proposals based from the recommendations made by the team and submit it as soon as possible since the Project is receiving a lot of proposals from other FishCoRe regions across the country but the funds are limited.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Aquasilviculture of Mangrove Crab and Siganid subproject by the Samahan at Ugnayang Mangingisda ng Palanginan Incorporated (SuMaPi) in Barangay Palanginan, Iba, Zambales falls under the MARLIN 2.1 Fishers’ Livelihood Diversification & Development subcomponent. During the interview, Mr. Renerio Totol, the chairperson of SuMaPi expressed his gratitude to the Project and mission team for the project assistance they have received and assured the Project that they will manage their subproject well for this is their primary source of livelihood. Their group received a total of PhP2.1 million project assistance from the Project. //

📝MJMetwa | Marivi Abobo
📸MJMetwa | Russel Capistrano

FMA 6 FishCoRe Project Conducts Scoping Activities to Assess Eligibility of Fisherfolk Organizations and their Proposed Subprojects in Cavite

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), through its Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project, conducted scoping activities for six fisherfolk organizations in Cavite from June 15–19, 2026 for their proposed livelihood subprojects under MARLIN component.

The activity aimed to assess the eligibility of the organizations and determine whether their proposed subprojects comply with the Project’s Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Screening Checklist. The assessment is part of the Project’s commitment to ensuring that supported subprojects meet environmental and social standards while promoting sustainable, resilient fisheries development in coastal communities.

The scoping activities include visits to the proposed subproject sites, followed by a focus group discussion (FGD) of fisherfolk organizations and their members. Prior to the conduct of site visits, courtesy calls to concerned local government units are made to inform all participants of the objective of the activity and invite personnel from the LGU to attend the site visit and FGD.

During the FGD, the ESS screening checklist was discussed. The possible risks of the fisherfolk organizations' proposed subprojects are deliberated and addressed by either the organization's members or the LGU. For transparency purposes, the scoring sheets were also presented. In cases where there are potential risks, mitigation measures are discussed to prevent those that can be avoided.

Result of the project scoping activities and FGD shows that the six fisherfolk organizations are eligible to avail livelihood subprojects as they are affected by fishery-related ordinances such as the Blue Swimming Crab National Management Plan, delineation of municipal waters, and other activities affecting fisherfolk, such as reclamation activity in Manila Bay. However, their proposed subprojects are eligible for funding but are still subject to further review and verification once all documentary requirements are submitted.
The six fisherfolk organizations visited and their proposed subprojects are the following:
•Bacoor City, Cavite : Mamamayan para sa Lambat at Dagat Multi-Purpose Cooperative – Crab fattening
•Rosario, Cavite : Pinagbuklod na Mangingisda ng Wawa III – Mussel Culture Using Longline Method
•Rosario, Cavite : Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Bangkerohan Wawa III, Rosario Inc. – Fish Processing
•Noveleta, Cavite : Walang Sawa sa Laot ng Karagatan (WASALAK) - Bangus Culture in Fishpond
•Noveleta, Cavite : Fisherfolk of Brgay. San Rafael IV Association – Consolidation and Trading of Processed Fish and Fishery Products
•Brgay. 53B, Cavite City : Samahan ng Mangingisdang Nagkakaisa sa Cavite City – Mussel Culture Using Long Line Method

Present during the scoping activities are the MARLIN and ESS technical team from the National Program Management Office, Regional Project Implementing Unit (RPIU 6), FCU CALABARZON and personnel from LGUs, specifically from the City or Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, City or Municipal Agriculture Office, City Planning and Development Office, and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office.//

𝗙𝗠𝗔 𝟲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵

Members of the Fisheries Management Area 6 (FMA 6) Management Board (MB) gathered in Clark, Pampanga for their 2nd Quarter Meeting, reaffirming their shared commitment to long-term fisheries stewardship and stronger collaboration across regions.

Hosted by lead region, BFAR Region 3, the meeting served as a venue to align priorities, discuss ongoing initiatives, and strengthen coordination among member agencies and stakeholders working toward more productive fisheries resources.

A significant milestone of the meeting was the adoption of the Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) for Greater Lizardfish (𝘚𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢 𝘵𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘭) and associated demersal species in Lingayen Gulf. The approval of the plan reflects the MB’s unified effort to move from planning into action, ensuring that fisheries management decisions are guided by science, strengthened by stakeholder participation, and responsive to the realities faced by fishing communities.

Developed through extensive technical discussions and consultations, the FMP is expected to provide a clear direction for managing and promoting the long-term sustainability of the resource within FMA 6.

Aside from the adoption of the FMP, the Board also received updates on ongoing initiatives and discussed priority matters that support the broader objectives of fisheries management and development in the area.

One of the highlights of the gathering was the onboarding and welcoming of newly appointed regional leaders joining the MB.

Members officially welcomed Director Remely Lachica of BFAR Region 1 and Director Nazario Briguera of BFAR Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). In their onboarding messages, both directors expressed support for the FMA approach and emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration and collective action in addressing fisheries concerns and advancing resource management goals.

Closing the meeting, FMA 6 Management Board Chair and BFAR Region 3 Director Wilfredo Cruz underscored that the success of fisheries management depends on sustained commitment and collective responsibility among all partners. “The adoption of this Fisheries Management Plan is not the end of our work but the beginning of a stronger and more coordinated effort to ensure that our fisheries remain productive and sustainable for future generations. Through continued partnership and collaboration, we can translate these plans into meaningful outcomes for our coastal communities and fisheries sector,” RD Cruz said.

The latest is here!

Explore the latest updates and milestones in sustainable fisheries and coastal resilience.

From conservation efforts and community engagement activities to productive harvests and livelihood gains, FishCoRe continues to advance sustainable and resilient fisheries and coastal communities in FMAs 6 and 9.

Check out this week's highlights and see how our fisherfolk, partners, and stakeholders are making a difference—one milestone at a time.

Let us know your thoughts in the comment section!

As we commemorate the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing this June 5, the Philippines continues to gain global recognition for its efforts to protect fisheries resources and uphold responsible fishing practices. In the 2025 Global IUU Fishing Index, the country ranked 54th out of 152 coastal States and fourth best in Asia, reflecting stronger fisheries governance and enforcement.

This achievement is supported by the sustained efforts of the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) in strengthening fishery law enforcement through expanded sea and coastal patrol operations, deployment of patrol vessels, enhanced monitoring and surveillance systems, and closer coordination with partner enforcement agencies. The Bureau also continues to institutionalize best practices through the Fishery Law Enforcement Manual of Operations (FLEMO), which provides standardized, lawful, and effective procedures for fisheries enforcement personnel nationwide.

Beyond improving rankings, these initiatives demonstrate the Philippines’ commitment to safeguarding marine resources, protecting fisherfolk livelihoods, and ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from sustainable and responsibly managed fisheries.

As we commemorate the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing this June 5, the Philippines continues to gain global recognition for its efforts to protect fisheries resources and uphold responsible fishing practices. In the 2025 Global IUU Fishing Index, the country ranked 54th out of 152 coastal States and fourth best in Asia, reflecting stronger fisheries governance and enforcement.

This achievement is supported by the sustained efforts of the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) in strengthening fishery law enforcement through expanded sea and coastal patrol operations, deployment of patrol vessels, enhanced monitoring and surveillance systems, and closer coordination with partner enforcement agencies. The Bureau also continues to institutionalize best practices through the Fishery Law Enforcement Manual of Operations (FLEMO), which provides standardized, lawful, and effective procedures for fisheries enforcement personnel nationwide.

Beyond improving rankings, these initiatives demonstrate the Philippines’ commitment to safeguarding marine resources, protecting fisherfolk livelihoods, and ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from sustainable and responsibly managed fisheries.

| 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐂𝐨𝐑𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

LOBO, BATANGAS – The Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project successfully concluded the FISHCORExhibit of Artworks: Raising Awareness on Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency Art Competition, recognizing the creativity and advocacy of Filipina artists from 11 project-covered regions during the national awarding ceremony on May 28, 2026.

In celebration of the Month of the Ocean, the competition gathered talented Filipinas from Fisheries Management Areas (FMA) 6 and 9 to showcase sculptures inspired by fisheries, coastal resilience, and food security. Through art, participants highlighted the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and strengthening community awareness on sustainable coastal management.

Emerging as this year’s national champion was Rona May Forinas from Central Visayas, whose artwork best embodied the competition’s theme and impressed the panel of judges with its creativity, craftsmanship, impact, and durability.

Her piece pays tribute to the strength and resilience of men and women in coastal communities as she believes that the everyday actions of individuals serve as a reminder of the shared responsibility to protect the seas for future generations.

Caraga pride Aime Claudine Neri-Espina and National Capital Region pride Myth Aera Lambot received first and second place respectively. The FishCoRe Project also encouraged public participation through the Social Media Choice Award, allowing online communities to support and celebrate their favorite artworks.

The national judging was conducted on May 27, 2026 at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Conference Room in Quezon City. Esteemed judges from the arts and museum sector evaluated the entries, including:
● Assist. Prof. Paul AR Quiano, UP College of Fine Arts
● Assoc. Prof. Jose Manuel Sicat, UP College of Fine Arts
● Deputy Director-General for Museums, Arvin Manuel R. Villalon, National Museum of the Philippines represented by Mr. Ryanorlie B. Abeledo
● Assist. Prof. Mary Christie D. Que, LPT MS, Dean, UST College of Fine Arts and Design
● Assist. Prof. Pedro Felix G. Garcia II, Chair of Painting Program, UST College of Fine Arts and Design

Each sculpture was evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Creativity & Originality – Unique and inventive concepts and ex*****on
2. Form & Style – Mastery and finesse in sculpting techniques
3. Artwork Impact – Overall impression and effectiveness in conveying the theme
4. Durability – Strength and resilience to withstand handling, shipping, and display

This year’s competition exclusively featured Filipina participants, as the activity was originally part of the first-ever Women FiSHEr Congress. The Congress was later rescheduled to September following Memorandum Circular 114 from the Office of the President, which directed all government agencies and instrumentalities to implement stricter energy conservation measures, including a 10–20% reduction in electricity and fuel consumption. # # #