Three (3) fisherfolk associations from the municipalities of Buenavista and Tubay, Agusan del Norte, are the latest recipients of the Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investment (MARLIN) 2.1 Garungan Production Livelihood Subprojects under the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project in Caraga region.
The Manapa Small Fisherfolk Brotherhood Association, Matabao Fisherfolk Association, and Tubay Aquamarine Producers Organization (TAMPO) officially received their subprojects in a ceremonial turnover held on June 23–24, 2025. The activity was spearheaded by the Fisheries Management Area (FMA) Coordinating Unit (FCU)-13, with representatives from the National Project Management Office (NPMO) and Regional Project Implementing Unit (RPIU)-9 in attendance.
In his message, FishCoRe Project manager Dr. Angel Encarnacion, ably represented by Isidro Langonon, expressed gratitude to the stakeholders and underscored the significance of the project to the fisherfolk communities.
“As we officially launch the Garungan Production livelihood, we mark a significant milestone not only for the FishCoRe project but also for our fisherfolk sector. Through this grant, we hope not just to provide alternative livelihood options but to empower each of you in building a sustainable future for your families and communities,” Encarnacion said.
Dr. Encarnacion also commended the resilience and collaboration of the local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders in overcoming the challenges leading to the subproject’s approval.
“This project is built upon your aspirations and dedication. With proper utilization and unwavering commitment, I am confident that you will transform this opportunity into lasting economic independence,” he added.
Lusell S. Pimentel, representing RPIU-9 lead focal and DA-BFAR-10 regional director Edward Yasay, extended gratitude to the project beneficiaries for their perseverance and shared vision.
“We are a step closer to better livelihoods and more comfortable lives for our fisherfolk families. This is a collective responsibility, and with unity and diligence, we can achieve lasting progress,” Pimentel remarked.
Meanwhile, FCU-13 focal and DA-BFAR Caraga regional director Omnia B. Olama urged the associations to cultivate unity and mutual support to achieve their shared goals.
“The success of this livelihood depends on your solidarity. Together, let’s strive to increase production, contribute to food security, and uplift our fisherfolk sector,” RD Olama said.
FCU-13 alternate focal Edgardo P. Balambao emphasized the importance of securing stable markets for the Garungan harvests while reaffirming FCU-13’s continued support in promoting mariculture-based livelihoods.
FCU-13 MARLIN component lead focal and chief aquaculturist Rizalinda L. Abing congratulated the beneficiaries and likened the subproject to a seed that must be nurtured through hard work and cooperation.
“We’ve seen how challenging it was to comply with project requirements, but your commitment made this possible. Like a seed, this project requires proper management, unity, and diligence to flourish,” Abing said.
“We hope this opens more opportunities across the fisheries value chain,” Abing added.
FCU-13 assistant technical coordinator Reynald V. Gimena expressed pride in the successful launch of the region’s first MARLIN 2.1 Livelihood Subproject on Garungan Production.
“This became possible through the invaluable support of our LGUs and fisherfolk. We hope this project will help reduce fishing pressure on our marine resources, especially on sardines (tamban), by promoting aquaculture as a viable alternative,” ATC Gimena emphasized.
Gimena also encouraged the associations to maximize the opportunity and explore future participation in the FishCoRe Enterprise Development Component and Aqua-Business Technology Incubation (ABTI) Centers to scale up their operations.
For Marife P. Gover, member of the TAMPO, the project is a huge opportunity given by the government for their fishing communities to increase their income and improve their lives.
“What’s left for us is to put in the effort — our counterpart is our labor and commitment. That’s why we will truly take care of this project.” Gover added.
The MARLIN component of the FishCoRe Project aims to enhance the economic value of fisheries and aquaculture to fishing communities through strategic and climate-resilient investments to reduce postharvest losses, expand aquaculture production, and add value to fisheries production. (Andy T. Ordoña, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga)
