QUEZON CITY — The Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project has reported significant achievements across its key components as it approaches its mid-term review, following the successful conclusion of its 6th Implementation Support Mission in Quezon City. The mission underscored the project’s steady progress in strengthening fisheries management, creating livelihood opportunities, and promoting sustainable coastal resource governance nationwide.
Strengthening Fisheries Resource Planning and Management
Under the Fisheries and Coastal Resilient Resource Planning and Management (FISHCRRM) Component, FishCoRe has made substantial gains in developing and implementing science-based fisheries management strategies. Three Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) have already been formulated and adopted at the Management Board level—Decapterus macarellus (Mackerel scad) in Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 6, and sardines and Siganus canaliculatus (locally known as Danggit) in FMA 9.
As of May 2026, a comprehensive inventory of 76,738 fishing boats and gears or 92% accomplishment based on target has been completed, providing critical data to support fisheries management and policy development.
In the Aquaculture Fisheries and Geospatial Information System (AqFGIS), 17,331 aquaculture farms have already been approved by the Provincial Fisheries Office. This data can now be used in formulating FMA-level Aquaculture Development and Management Plan (ADMP).
FishCoRe also continues to enhance the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) and the Fisheries Management Area Scientific Advisory Group through ongoing capacity-building initiatives. Ongoing activities also include Phase 2 of the Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA), which evaluates the impacts of climate hazards on communities, ecosystems, or infrastructure. As well as, biomass estimation using hydroacoustic technology to assess the abundance, size, and distribution of fish populations in targeted FMAs.
Expanding Livelihood and Enterprise Opportunities
Through the Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investments (MARLIN) Component, FishCoRe continues to create sustainable economic opportunities for fisherfolk and coastal communities:
- MARLIN 2.1: 48 livelihood subprojects focused on fishers’ livelihood diversification and development have been implemented.
- MARLIN 2.2: 49 enterprise subprojects are currently in the pipeline to support aquaculture and fisheries enterprise development.
- MARLIN 2.3: Infrastructure progress includes one Aquaculture Business and Technology Incubation (ABTI) Center under construction, aimed at helping local fish farmers transition to sustainable, market-driven aquaculture. Additionally, five storage facilities for scuba gear have been completed across Fisheries Management Area Coordinating Units 1, 4A, 4B, 7, and 8.
Raising Awareness Through Creative Engagement
FishCoRe has also strengthened public awareness through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) initiatives under the Support to Project Implementation and Management (SUPRIM) Component. The second edition of the FISHCORExhibit: Raising Awareness on Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency Art Competition concluded last May, promoting fisheries conservation creatively. Rona May Forinas from Central Visayas won the national championship for her piece “Bantay ng Baybay: A Light for Life”, celebrating the resilience of coastal communities and emphasizing shared responsibility to protect the seas.
Site Visits in Bohol: From Policy to Practice
A high-level delegation from the World Bank and the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) also conducted field evaluations in Bohol from May 27–29, 2026, as part of the 6th ISM. Led by World Bank Philippines Country Director Zafer Mustafaoğlu and BFAR Assistant Director Isidro M. Velayo Jr., the mission assessed how FishCoRe’s policies and investments are translated into tangible, climate-resilient, and inclusive results at the local level.
The delegation visited three milestone sites in Bohol to evaluate interventions under the MARLIN component:
- ABTI Training and Learning Center, Brgy. Sinandigan, Ubay: A regional hub for multi-species hatchery, climate-resilient tanks, seaweed nurseries, hybrid solar systems, and giant clam rearing. The site supports innovation, technology transfer, and job creation for fisherfolk enterprises.
- Bangus Culture in HDPE Rectangular Cages, Brgy. Canhaway, Guindulman: A community-scale marine cage aquaculture project benefiting 68 households. The eco-friendly HDPE cages withstand high-energy waves, reduce maintenance costs, and promote gender and social inclusion.
- Oyster Culture using Longline Method, Poblacion II, Mabini: A nature-positive initiative cultivating slipper oysters with an eco-friendly floating longline system that diversifies household incomes, reduces pressure on wild fisheries, and enhances women’s participation.
Driving Local Dialogue and Scaling Up
During the site visits, the delegation engaged with local fisherfolk associations and municipal leaders. Mr. Mustafaoğlu emphasized the potential of Philippine fisheries to compete globally:
“The objective of our project is to see how we can combine science, technology, and environmental safeguards to improve livelihoods and help people earn better incomes,” he said.
The insights, community feedback, and technical assessments gathered in Bohol will inform the national evaluation framework, ensuring that FishCoRe stays on track to achieve its long-term objectives of enhanced coastal resilience, ecosystem preservation, and poverty reduction by 2029.
As FishCoRe approaches its mid-term review, the project remains committed to sustainable fisheries management, climate resilience, livelihood improvement, and public engagement. Achievements highlighted during the 6th ISM demonstrate its continuing contribution to building resilient coastal communities and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Philippines’ fisheries sector.
About the FishCoRe Project
The Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project is a seven-year, PHP 11.42-billion initiative (2023–2029) implemented by DA-BFAR and funded by the World Bank. Operating across 11 regions and 24 provinces, FishCoRe promotes ecosystem-based fisheries management, marine habitat rehabilitation, and the prevention of illegal fishing. Investments in climate-resilient infrastructure directly support over 1.15 million fisherfolk, reduce value losses, and foster sustainable, diversified livelihoods in vulnerable coastal communities.
—–END—–
Comments are closed for this post.