The FMA6 Coordinating Unit 1 (FCU1) conducted a series of cluster-based public consultations on the proposed Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) for the conservation and management of 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 (mackerel scad, locally known as galunggong, baraniti, or palapal) on February 12–13, 2026. ‎ ‎

The consultations were organized into two clusters. The first brought together stakeholders from La Union and Pangasinan at Ynads Place in San Fernando City, La Union, while the second gathered participants from Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte at Santiago Cove Hotel in Santiago, Ilocos Sur. The initiative aimed to engage fisherfolk, provincial and local government units (LGUs), Law Enforcement Agencies, academe, and other concerned sectors in reviewing and providing substantive inputs on the draft FAO. ‎ ‎

At the outset, BFAR facilitators clearly defined the purpose and scope of the consultation, emphasizing that the activity sought to present the draft FAO provisions, including its objectives, proposed management measures, penalties, and delineation of roles among implementing bodies. The consultation also aimed to ensure a participatory and transparent policy-making process. ‎

‎“Base sa Scientific Advisory Group at pag-aaral ng National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP), bumababa na ang bilang ng isda sa dagat. Isa na rito ang galunggong o 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴—dahilan kung bakit nandito tayo ngayon,” said Remely B. Lachica, Head of MARLIN. ‎ ‎

“Matapos ang masusing pag-aaral at malawakang konsultasyon at pagpupulong, inihaharap na po namin ang draft FAO upang maipaabot sa inyo ang impormasyon at makakalap ng mga suhestyon at rekomendasyon para sa mas epektibong pamamahala ng galunggong. Inaanyayahan ang lahat na maging bukas at aktibong makilahok sa prosesong ito. Maraming salamat po sa inyong patuloy na partisipasyon,” said OIC-Regional Director Atty. Girly G. Dela Peña. ‎ ‎

Meanwhile, BFAR3 Regional Director Wilfredo M. Cruz conveyed a message of support, highlighting the importance of conserving and managing galunggong—a staple food for many Filipinos—and expressing hope that future generations will continue to enjoy and benefit from this vital resource.

‎ ‎Prior to the presentation of the draft FAO by Reginald Laxum T. Atabay, Head of FishCRRM, stakeholders were presented with the Harvest Strategy for 𝘋. 𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 by Maureen L. Noces, NSAP Alternate Project Leader, to provide scientific context and basis for the proposed management measures.

‎‎An open forum followed, guided by key questions to assess whether the proposed measures were clear and understandable, feasible at both municipal and commercial levels, and responsive to on-the-ground realities. ‎This highlight of the program, facilitated by Felymar Ragutero, FishCRRM 1.1 Lead, involved the consolidation of comments and recommendations from participants for each section of the FAO. The overall outputs of the workshop were then presented by the FishCRRM Head, culminating in a synthesis of discussions and a presentation of the ways forward.

‎The FMA6 public consultations form part of the continuing efforts to promote responsible fisheries management and ensure the sustainable use of aquatic and fisheries resources. Through active stakeholder engagement and collaborative dialogue, the process seeks to finalize an FAO that balances conservation objectives with the protection of livelihoods dependent on galunggong.