The Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) conducted a public service activity titled "Seminar-Workshop on National Fisheries Laws and Policies: Highlighting the role of fisherfolk as local resource managers" at the Training Center, Miagao, Iloilo on March 21, 2025.
The activity aimed to improve the fisherfolk's awareness of fisheries laws and encourage their active participation in law enforcement and the sustainable management of marine resources in municipal waters.
Various relevant topics were tackled by the resource persons during this one-day learning event. University Researcher Ms. Ruby P. Napata presented the overview of the coastal ecosystems, marine protected areas (MPAs), and fisheries management areas (FMAs). Asst. Prof Dr. Liberty N. Espectato provided basic and updated information on Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (FARMC). University Research Associate Mr. Ariel S. Sefil underscored the importance of marine wildlife protection and conservation while Asst. Prof. Joshua M. Regalado talked about illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. University Extension Specialist Ms. Genna D. Serofia served as coordinator-facilitator and assisted by Ms. Rea May S. Faminogan.
The activity was attended by fisherfolk representatives of the Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (BFARMC) from the 22 coastal barangays and LGU personnel of the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMA) of Miagao.
Ms. Eden L. Nequia, Agriculturist II, an alumna of CFOS-UPV, thanked the CFOS-IFPDS for conducting this very timely and important lecture for the municipal fishers of Miagao.
Ms. Ma. Frea N. Monsale, Municipal Agriculturist, also expressed her gratitude to the CFOS-IFPDS for its commitment in advancing the interest of the local fisherfolk.
The LGU of Miagao has been a partner of UPV in various capacities especially in coastal resource management.
In response to the activity, Mr. Rolly Mombay, a fisherfolk from Brgy. Maninila, emphasized the “active participation of municipal fishers in complying with the national and local fisheries regulations.”
Moreover, Mr. Manuel Naciongayo, Jr. (MFARMC Chair) said that he learned a lot from the activity.
The public service activity is based on the results of the study on the status of the implementation and adaptation of national fisheries laws and policies in Southern Iloilo, Philippines conducted by Napata et al. in 2024. Similar activity has already been conducted in the Municipalities of Guimbal and San Joaquin in 2024.
CFOS-IFPDS remains committed in its vision as a national institution at the forefront of fisheries policy and development studies through conducting fisheries policy research, training, and extension program for sustainable fisheries resource management.
The public service activity is based on the results of the study on the status of the implementation and adaptation of national fisheries laws and policies in Southern Iloilo, Philippines conducted by Napata et al. in 2024. Similar activity has already been conducted in the Municipalities of Guimbal and San Joaquin in 2024 through the UPV-OVCRE Public Service Funding Window.
