Twenty-five agricultural extension workers (AEWs) from various local government units in Surigao del Sur have completed the final leg of the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga’s series of capacity trainings on marine mammal stranding response and rescue.

For Surigao del Sur cluster, the DA-BFAR Caraga tapped the Balyena.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine mammal research and conservation, to serve as the training provider for the said capacity building initiative held last October 1-2, 2025 in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

Dr. Jom Acebes, marine conservationist and founder and principal investigator of Balyena.org, led the team of experts composed of Christine Emata, Brix Villafuerte, and Diofel Tampoy, who served as resource persons for the technical sessions.

Participants were trained on a range of topics, including Introduction to Marine Mammals (Cetaceans and Dugong Biology), Species Identification, Threats to Marine Mammals, Stranding Theories and Ethics, First Response and Proper Handling, Data Collection and Reporting, and Relevant Philippine Laws and Policies.

At the end of the training, participants carried out a mock rescue exercise, followed by group reporting and assessment, where they demonstrated their ability to apply the knowledge and techniques gained from the sessions.

Earlier this year, DA-BFAR Caraga, in coordination with its Provincial Fisheries Offices, also conducted similar trainings in Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte, where over 75 AEWs were trained under the guidance of Bianca Espinos from the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Inc.

With the completion of the Surigao del Sur cluster, the Fisheries Resource Management Section (FRMS) of DA-BFAR Caraga has now capacitated a total of 100 local personnel across the Caraga region, enhancing the government’s readiness to respond to future marine mammal stranding and rescue incidents.

Senior fishing regulations officer and FRMS chief Loida B. Arreglado emphasized that the initiative is part of DA-BFAR’s ongoing advocacy to promote marine conservation and the protection of aquatic wildlife, particularly those protected under the Philippine laws.

“Through these trainings, we are ensuring that our local partners are equipped with the right knowledge and skills to respond effectively and ethically to marine mammal strandings,” Arreglado added.