The Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 6-Coordinating Unit 1 (FCU1) successfully hosted a Roadshow on Enterprise Grant (Window 2 of the FishCoRe Matching Grants Program/ FMGP) for the Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investments (MARLIN) Component under Subcomponent 2.2: Aquaculture and Fisheries Enterprise Development.

The event took place on July 22 to 24, 2025 at the Monarch Hotel, Calasiao, Pangasinan, and brought together seven (7) beneficiary groups across four (4) provinces in the region. This initiative forms part of FCU1’s broader efforts to orient fisherfolk groups from the four provinces on the Expression of Intent (EOI) process for both Subcomponent 2.1: Fishers’ Livelihood Diversification and Development, and Subcomponent 2.2: Enterprise Development.

The FMGP provides financial support for two key types of sub-projects: Livelihood projects under Subcomponent 2.1, and Enterprise development projects under Subcomponent 2.2.

Under Window 2.2, eligible beneficiary groups are encouraged to propose market-oriented, resilient enterprise sub-projects. These investments may be pursued in partnership with private sector enterprises, individual entrepreneurs, or clustered/federated fisherfolk groups. The projects will be aligned with the Aqua-Industrial Business Corridors (ABCs) to be developed under Subcomponent 1.2.

In addition to grant funding, selected groups will also receive technical assistance in value chain analysis and business plan preparation under Subcomponent 2.2. Further, they will benefit from technical and marketing support to ensure the success of their aquaculture and fisheries enterprise operations.

This roadshow highlights FCU1’s commitment to capacitating local fisherfolk organizations through access to investments and enterprise support mechanisms — strengthening coastal communities’ economic resilience and promoting sustainable fisheries.

FishCoRe is a seven-year project funded by the World Bank, which promotes a comprehensive approach to fisheries governance with a specific focus on the social and ecological dimensions of the Philippines’ waters and its resources, in partnership with local government units. This project aims to bring benefits to approximately half a million fishers and stakeholders nationwide.