The 1st Caraga FARMC Summit, held on June 18–19, 2025, marked a major milestone in the collaboration between the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), through the Strengthening the Implementation of Regional and Local Peace and Development Agendas in Mindanao (SPADe) Project.

The summit was funded by GIZ’s SPADe Project through the European Union and co-implemented by DA-BFAR Caraga and GIZ. It brought together municipal and provincial representatives of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMCs), 50 local fisherfolk from Siargao, and six fisherfolk cooperatives from across Caraga to address climate-related challenges and promote sustainable fisheries governance.

Rudolph Elmo dela Cruz, senior advisor of the GIZ Climate Smart Fisheries and Aquaculture (CSFAq) Project, represented the GIZ at the event. Also present were Anna Melissa M. Talavera, chief of the Fisheries Training and Regional Fisherfolk Coordination Division and Regional FARMC coordinator; Jenalyn D. Espina, alternate regional FARMC coordinator; and Rizalinda L. Abing, chief of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division (FPSDD) and focal person for the CSFAq initiative. The event was also attended by current and former regional fisherfolk directors, as well as provincial fishery officers from Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, and Agusan del Norte.

Focused on empowering fisherfolk, the summit featured workshops on climate-resilient aquaculture, policy development, and cooperative success stories. A key highlight was the sharing of firsthand experiences by fisherfolk participants, including insights from the Fishermen Cooperative of Consolacion, which showcased innovative, community-led solutions.

In her video message, DA-BFAR Caraga regional director Omnia B. Olama expressed strong support for empowering fisherfolk organizations, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to cooperative development. “We believe that organized, well-supported fisherfolk groups and cooperatives are the key to resilient, self-reliant fishing communities. That’s why we continue to encourage the formation, registration, and strengthening of fisherfolk cooperatives. They are not just economic enterprises — they are platforms for collective action, shared learning, and community solidarity,” RD Olama shared.

GIZ, through the SPADe Project and its Climate-Smart Fisheries and Aquaculture (CSFAq) initiatives, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring fisherfolk play a central role in shaping adaptive and resilient policies.

“This summit amplifies the voices of those most affected by climate change,” FPSSD chief and CSFAq focal Rizalinda Abing said, highlighting the summit’s significance.

Inspirational messages were also delivered by Atty. Edsel Ensomo, presiding judge of Municipal Trial Court General Luna–Pilar, and national FARMC representative Ruben Timogan. Their remarks underscored the importance of good governance and community partnerships in advancing sustainable fisheries development.

In his message, Atty. Ensomo emphasized the urgency of climate action, stating, “We gather with the acceptance of the fact that there is climate change, and we are ready and prepared to take action in implementing strategies that will help fisherfolk, fishing communities, and fishing cooperatives to adapt and minimize the potential impacts of climate change on fishery resources and our livelihood.”

“The challenge before us is so great in this time of climate change, but so is our will and determination. With unity, wisdom, and determination—and of course, with the help of God—we can craft a future where both nature and communities flourish side by side for generations,” Atty. Ensomo added.

Meanwhile, Ruben Timogan, national FARMC representative, expressed his commitment to grassroots advocacy, stating, “I see that this activity is very important for our fisherfolk, especially in highlighting the role of cooperatives. As a member of the NFARMC, I will do my best to bring forward meaningful recommendations from our grassroots fisherfolk to the national level—this is our collective hope.”

By encouraging inclusive dialogue and multi-stakeholder collaboration, the summit laid the groundwork for a more resilient, fisherfolk-led approach to fisheries management and climate adaptation in the Caraga Region.