Twelve fisherfolk associations(FA) across the Ilocos Region are experiencing a significant boost to their livelihoods through a capacity-building training program. Funded by the FY 2024 FishCoRe Modern and Resilient Livelihood (MARLIN) Diversification Project, the program equipped participants with modern aquaculture techniques and essential business skills.
From June to July 2025, participants engaged in a comprehensive training program tailored to their specific needs and project proposals. The diverse curriculum included: 1) Aquasilviculture, combining fish farming with mangrove cultivation, for fisherfolk association-beneficiaries in Ilocos Sur (Rakitan FA, Las-ud FAs, Pantay Tamurong FA), Ilocos Norte (Nagabungan FA), and La Union (City of San Fernando CFLC Marketing Cooperative, Narvacan FA, Bauang Fishing Group Consumers Cooperative). These groups will focus on cultivating high-value species like siganid, milkfish, and mangrove crabs; 2) Fish Cage Culture focusing on siganid and milkfish production for the Calay-ab FA in Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur; and, 3) Sustainable Oyster Farming: Utilizing the environmentally friendly bamboo-raft method, fisherfolk from 32 Bravo FA (Laoag City, Ilocos Norte), Asosasyon ti Manggalap ken Mannalon ti Baroro (Bacnotan, La Union), and Dasol Salt Makers and Luciente 2 Multisectoral Environmental Association (Dasol and Bolinao, Pangasinan) will acquire valuable oyster farming skills.
Beyond technical skills, the training emphasized holistic development. Participants gained valuable insights into values formation, gender and development, poverty alleviation, organizational development, and effective documentation. Instructions and expertise were provided by the learning service providers, Jamille Anne D. Estolas, Derickson Chrisandrei S. Mandar, and Maureen L. Noces, from the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division (RFTFCD); along with Benjie Oboza, Fisheries Production Technical Personnel and MARLIN 2.1 Subcomponent Focal, who ensured participants gained a deep understanding of aquaculture biology and best practices.
Furthermore, BFAR-1 Accountant Rejie Sallatic and personnel, Janet Guray, led financial literacy sessions, complemented by the interactive FishNLearn game facilitated with the RFTFCD staff, Princess Kaye Parayno and Loraine Nejal.
Interactive workshops, open forum, and benchmarking sessions fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants.
The success of this initiative is a testament to the collaborative efforts of MARLIN and SUPRIM staff, Provincial Fisheries Offices, and Local Government Units (LGUs), all working together to promote sustainable aquaculture and empower the fisherfolk communities of the Ilocos Region.