BUTUAN CITY — The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga, and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga have formalized a strategic partnership on Friday, June 19, 2026, to strengthen fisheries and aquaculture enterprises through the launch of AquAsenso, a gender-responsive enterprise readiness program for fisherfolk beneficiaries in the region.

The collaboration was sealed through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) establishing Aquaculture and Agri-Fisheries Support for Enterprise Networking, Skills, and Opportunities (AquAsenso), a convergence initiative designed to enhance the competitiveness, sustainability, and market readiness of fisheries-based enterprises under the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project.

Under the agreement, the three agencies will combine their expertise in fisheries development, entrepreneurship, and science and technology to provide integrated support services for beneficiaries of the Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investments (MARLIN) Component of the FishCoRe Project. The initiative aims to improve livelihoods, increase value-added fisheries products, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen enterprise management capacities among fisherfolk organizations and coastal communities.

DA-BFAR Caraga, through regional director Omnia B. Olama, will serve as the lead implementing agency, overseeing the planning, coordination, and integration of all AquAsenso interventions. The bureau will also ensure that enterprise development efforts align with fisheries management objectives and the broader goals of the FishCoRe Project.

For its part, DTI Caraga will spearhead entrepreneurship and business development initiatives, including training on financial management, business planning, product branding, marketing strategies, and market linkages. The agency will also assist beneficiaries in accessing mentorship programs, business advisory services, and opportunities for participation in trade fairs and value chains.

Meanwhile, DOST Caraga will provide science and technology-based interventions, including product innovation, process improvement, quality enhancement, technology transfer, and access to laboratory and testing facilities. The agency will also support beneficiaries in meeting food safety standards and improving the technical viability of their enterprises.

AquAsenso will primarily benefit fisherfolk, aquaculture operators, processors, people’s organizations, and coastal communities in selected municipalities and cities of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte covered under Fisheries Management Area 9. The program places a strong emphasis on gender equality, ensuring equitable participation of women and men while creating opportunities for women, youth, and other vulnerable sectors engaged in fisheries-related enterprises.

The program will deliver a series of capacity-building interventions covering business and financial management, entrepreneurship and marketing, technical skills enhancement, mentoring, and coaching. These activities are expected to improve enterprise readiness, strengthen organizational capacities, and increase the income-generating potential of fisheries-based livelihood projects.

Beyond skills development, AquAsenso is envisioned as a platform that brings together government resources, expertise, and innovation to create more resilient and sustainable fisheries enterprises. By integrating technical assistance, enterprise development services, and science-based solutions, the partnership seeks to empower fisherfolk communities and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the fisheries sector in Caraga.

The MOA will remain in effect until December 31, 2028, providing a framework for continued collaboration among the three agencies in advancing inclusive economic growth, enterprise development, and climate-resilient livelihoods for fisherfolk across the region.# (Andy T. Ordoña, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga)