The Regional Fisheries Office 1 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, through the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division and the Provincial Fisheries Office of Ilocos Sur, facilitated the reorganization and enhancement of the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) in Suyo, Ilocos Sur on March 3-4, 2025.
The council members received orientation and lectures covering the History and Landscape of FARMC, Guidelines for the creation and implementation of FARMCs (FAO-196) in the Philippines, FARMC Levels of Development (FOO 342), and parliamentary procedures for effective meetings. Additionally, they participated in workshops focused on SWOT analysis and the development of a three-year action plan anchored in assessing their councilโs growth performance.
Another highlight of the activity was the presentation on fisheries regulations (RA 8550 as amended by RA 10654), delivered by Chief-RFTFCD Atty. Girly G. Dela Peรฑa. Her lecture addressed policies, and relevant provisions of the Philippine Fisheries Code with an emphasis for inland municipalities. She tackled the penalties, and the enforcement of laws aimed at fulfilling the goals and objectives of the FARMCs within their areas of responsibility. Additionally, she emphasized a comprehensive perspective on legal modifications, practical applications, and developmental elements within the fisheries industry.
The new MFARMC officials and members were presented by Mayor Mario B. Subangan, who also pledged his complete support for the councilโs growth and objectives.
“We will collaborate to empower and continuously improve our local fisherfolk as well as the fisheries and aquatic resources through this local fisherfolk council,” he stated.
According to the participants, the training program helped them better comprehend the extent of the fishing industry and the critical role FARMC in supporting sustainable fisheries development in their respective communities. They also mentioned how much they gained from the discussions and lectures. The exercise also reaffirmed the collaborative aspect of the MFARMC program as stakeholders came together to develop practical solutions and ensure the well-being of the local fishing community. The two-day activity also gave them the courage to take risks to improve their lives and create a safe and secure environment.
The activity’s learning service providers and facilitators were Regional FARMC Focal Derickson Chrisandrei S. Mandar, Alternate Regional FARMC Focal May Ann L. Maningding, Provincial Fisheries Officer Martin T. Allayban, Provincial FARMC Focal Herminia Diona B. Bedar, and OPAG Ilocos Sur-FARMC coordinator, Jade Marian Y. Yadao.
