The Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) Team successfully conducted its 2nd ESF Technical Mission across selected sites in Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs) 6 and 9 from June 22 to 26, 2026. The mission focused on conducting site inspections, reviewing subproject compliance with environmental and social safeguards, and engaging key stakeholders to strengthen project implementation and ensure compliance with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards (ESS).
Sustainable Livelihoods and Fisheries Infrastructure
Among the livelihood initiatives visited was the Rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus) Culture in HDPE Cage Project in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, under the Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investment (MARLIN) Subcomponent 2.1, or Fishers’ Livelihood Diversification and Development. The project is implemented by the Bobontugan Small Livelihood Fisherfolk Association, which has generated a total income of Php 816,362.50 from its first five harvests. This demonstrates the potential of sustainable aquaculture to improve the livelihoods of fisherfolk while promoting responsible resource utilization.
The team also visited the Aquasilviculture of Siganid and Mangrove Crab Project in Iba, Zambales, implemented by the Samahan at Ugnayang Mangingisda ng Palanginan, Inc. (SUMaPI), also under MARLIN Subcomponent 2.1. The project integrates aquaculture with mangrove conservation, providing an alternative source of income for fisherfolk while supporting the protection and rehabilitation of mangrove ecosystems that serve as important habitats and nursery grounds for marine species, particularly along the coast of Zambales.
In support of fisheries development, the ESF Team inspected ongoing and proposed infrastructure subprojects under MARLIN Subcomponent 2.3. The team visited the construction sites of the BFAR Region 10 Fisheries Integrated Laboratory facilities in Opol, Misamis Oriental, and Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City. These include the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) Building and the Enforcement and Regional Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Operation Center (ERMCSOC) Building. Once completed, these facilities are expected to strengthen fisheries research, laboratory services, stock assessment, and fisheries monitoring and enforcement in the region.
The team also visited the proposed City Fish Terminal Complex in Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro, which aims to improve fish handling, trading, and marketing services for local fisherfolk. In Masinloc, Zambales, the team assessed the proposed construction of a jetty port with a breakwater, which is expected to provide safer and more efficient access for fishing vessels, thereby supporting the area’s fishing industry. Another proposed infrastructure subproject visited during the mission is the Construction of the Giant Freshwater Prawn Hatchery and Grow-out Ponds and Laboratory Facility at the Bataan Peninsula State University–Abucay Campus in Abucay, Bataan. The proposed facility aims to strengthen freshwater aquaculture by enhancing hatchery production, supporting research and technology development, and promoting the sustainable production of giant freshwater prawns in the province.
Strengthening Coastal Resource Management and Project Collaboration
The mission also emphasized the importance of protecting coastal resources through active community participation. In Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, the team visited activities under the Fisheries and Coastal Resilient Resource Planning and Management (FishCRRM) Subcomponent 1.3, which focuses on strengthening the management of coastal resources in municipal waters. The visit recognized the valuable role of the Tubajon, Laguindingan Deputized Fish Wardens in protecting municipal waters through community-based fisheries law enforcement and resource management.
Beyond assessing compliance with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards (ESS), the ESF Technical Mission also served as an opportunity for implementing units and partner communities to exchange experiences, identify good practices, and strengthen collaboration in delivering FishCoRe initiatives. As the project continues to roll out across the country, these efforts help ensure that fisheries development initiatives are implemented responsibly, creating lasting benefits for coastal communities while protecting the country’s marine resources and coastal ecosystems for future generations.
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