JASAAN, Misamis Oriental Mayor Redentor Jardin expressed his full support to the implementation of the FishCoRe project of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Jardin touted the modernization of the existing port in Kimaya, Jasaan as one of the reasons why it is a prolific fishing drop zone.
The proposed P300-million upgrade has been lobbied in Congress by Rep. Yevgeny Vincente Emano through Jardin’s efforts.
At the same time, the mayor reminded the fisherfolk to continue doing sustainable marine industry practices including refraining from tinkering at the fish sanctuary.
“Kung magtinabangay kitang tanan to protect our marine resources, permanenteng bibo ang atong pangisda diri,” Jardin said during an information caravan dubbed as FishCoRe Talakayan November 13 here at SophieRed Hotel and Resort.
In attendance are 79 fisherfolk from the eight coastal barangays of Jasaan namely Aplaya, Solana, Luz Banzon, Kimaya, Lower Jasaan, Bobuntugan, Jampason and San Antonio.
These are classified as municipal fisherfolk including crew members of commercial fishing vessels.
The community in Jasaan has a long-standing fishing tradition, with generations of fishers honing techniques suited to the local environment, which helps maintain a productive and sustainable fishing industry.
FishCoRe is a seven-year World Bank-funded project that prioritizes a comprehensive approach to fisheries governance, with a focus on the social and ecological dimensions of the Philippines Waters and its resources. It is committed to using a science-based, participatory, and transparent framework.
In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture through BFAR, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority and National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, the FishCoRe Project is now on its second year of implementation to provide multiple fisheries interventions and benefit over 1.15 million fisherfolk, small to medium enterprises, other fisheries stakeholders, and residents in coastal communities across 11 regions and 24 provinces in the country.
BFAR, the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority and National Fisheries Research and Development Institute have collaborated and finalized a work program to benefit approximately half a million fishers and stakeholders.
This project adopts the ecosystem approach to fisheries management as outlined in Republic Act 10654 which prioritizes a holistic approach that enhances the human component, manages and conserves the Philippine waters and its resources and governs fisheries in a transparent, participatory, and science-based manner.
The FishCoRe Project, spearheaded by DA through BFAR, aims to contribute to improved food security and resilient ecosystems and communities. Its development objective is to improve the management of fisheries resources and enhance the value of fisheries production to coastal communities in the project-covered fisheries management areas FMAs.
Most importantly, it aims to encourage stakeholders’ active participation and ownership of upcoming and future subprojects in order to ensure long-term sustainability, as well as promote continuous and sustainable economic and ecological development in the fisheries sector.
