The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Office No. 5 through the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division (RFTFCD) conducted a 2-day FARMC Trainers’ Training on Effective Communication, Policy Development and Community Organization on April 17-18, 2024 at the RFTFCD Training Hall, Tabaco City.
The three topics were presented respectively by seasoned experts in their field, namely Ramil Marianito, the Regional Head of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 5; Maria Vivian Llegado of the Philippine Council of Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) in Bicol; and Alexander Vargas of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Region 5.
Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 196, series of 2000 mandates the creation of FARMCs in all cities and municipalities abutting municipal waters as partners of the government in fisheries management. The BFAR is tasked to conduct massive information and education campaign on the formation of FARMCs and come up with an implementation strategy and action plan to ensure that FARMCs are formed according to the true spirit of fisherfolk empowerment. Furthermore, BFAR shall provide Trainers’ Training for its key implementing personnel, fisherfolk leaders, NGOs and LGUs.
In his message, BFAR Regional Director Ariel Pioquinto highlighted the importance of the acquired learnings of the participants to become an effective tool in community building. He likened this to a researcher gathering relevant data to solve a problem, the trainees could use the knowledge obtained to generate policies or guidelines addressing fishery sector challenges. He also emphasized the thrust of the government to upgrade or consolidate the organizations to become a cooperative engaged in a profitable commodity such as the one town one product program in their respective areas.
A sharing session about the Small Group Savings and Loan program was presented by Marieta Calacal, Field Operations Manager of WWF Philippines’ Sustainable Tuna Partnership program. She shared the overwhelming success of the program showing the solidarity among the group members belonging to the tuna fisherfolk organizations who are now reaping monetary benefits through savings, micro-finance and social services.
As the first of a series of FARMC trainings for CY 2024, twenty-six (26) personnel of BFAR Regional and Provincial offices, Provincial LGU – Office of the Provincial Agriculturist from Albay, Catanduanes and Masbate and WWF-Philippines, an NGO operating in Lagonoy Gulf were capacitated. The next training sessions will be conducted in each province with the participation of FARMC fisherfolk leaders and Municipal/City LGUs.
The Trainers’ Training served as a mentorship activity on how to implement the program effectively, respond to queries and issues in their respective areas, determine the training needs and necessary interventions to build strong FARMCs in Bicol Region.