The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UP Visayas (UPV-CFOS) reached out to Miagao fisherfolk through “Pagpanghimanwa: A Research and Public Service Forum” on November 28-29, 2024.
Around 40 fisherfolk from coastal barangays and fishery officials of the local government unit (LGU) of Miagao, a first-class municipality in the first district of the Province of Iloilo, which is about 40 kilometers southwest of Iloilo City, participated in the research and public service colloquium that CFOS organized in celebration of the 77th Year of the UP Presence in Iloilo, themed “In Solidarity with the Community.”
Pagpanghimanwa, a local term for public engagement, was aimed to disseminating CFOS research findings and technologies to Miagao fisheries stakeholders, providing a venue for discussion between UPV-CFOS and Miagao fishermen and officials, and conducting relevant trainings for the fishing associations and organizations in said municipality.
Given that UPV is located in Miagao, CFOS dean Prof. Dr. Harold M. Monteclaro stated in his message that this initiative was organized for CFOS to publicly engage with the local fisherfolk and Miagao LGU by strengthening local fisheries and providing technical assistance to the small fishermen and their families.
A Miagao resident from one of the coastal barangays, Monteclaro, assured the participants that “UPV-CFOS will find ways on how we can assist and help you with your concerns and needs.”
The dean hoped that the fisherfolk would be inspired to adopt the technologies.
He expressed his intention to make “Pagpanghimanwa” as one of the college’s regular activities in order to engage with more communities.
Meanwhile, UPV Chancellor Clement C. Camposano underscored the significance of the undertaking to address problems faced by the small fishers, who play a big role in food security.
The chancellor lauded and encouraged the yearly conduct of this initiative to extend UP’s expertise to the community. He also believed that with the support of the community, this program would bring positive impact to the lives of the marginalized sector.
Fisherfolk from barangays Calampitao, Gines, Dingle, Maninila, Naulid, Banuyao, Kirayan Norte, Kirayan Sur, Guibongan, Igtuba, Baybay Norte, Baybay Sur, Narat-an, Oyungan, San Rafael, Lanutan, Maringyan, Damilisan, Mambatad, Sapa, Bakawan, and Palaca gathered at the CFOS, UPV Miagao campus to attend the public service activity.
The participants, identified through the Miagao Municipal Agriculture Office, were introduced to several research projects relevant to Miagao fisheries done by CFOS faculty members, research staff, and students during the Research Forum. These studies were carefully selected with Miagao LGU to be useful and relevant for potential adoption by the participants.
Faculty members and researchers from the Institute of Aquaculture (IA) discussed the following technologies: “UPV Aquaphonics: Sustainable Aquaculture-Agriculture Integration and Eco-Tourism through Bamboo Greenhouse Innovations” by Asst. Prof. Fredson H. Huervana; “Refinement of Milkfish Nursery Operation” by Rosy L. Janeo; and “Simplified Seed Production of African Catfish” by Alan N. Failaman.
From the Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies (IFPDS), the participants learned about “Management and Policy Recommendations for Improvement of MPA Management in Miagao, Iloilo,” delivered by Asst. Prof. Joshua M. Regalado; “Results of the evaluation of CRM and Fisheries Policies—Recommendations for Miagao LGU” by Ruby P. Napata; and “Exploring Partial Overlaps Between Scientific and Traditional Knowledge Systems,” presented by Dennis Daniel Jr.
The Institute of Fish Processing Technology (IFPT) showcased their research findings on “Enzyme Hydrolysis Optimization of Catfish Processing Waste” by Mercy B. Quilantang; “Sardines Fermentation as Supplemental Livelihood for Coastal Communities” by Audrey V. Orillaza; and “Fish Processing Technologies for Value Addition of Milkfish” by Eljenmer Sindo.
Meanwhile, the Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology (IMFO) presented the results of their studies on “The Small Tuna Species from Sulu Sea, Philippines” by Johnel C. Batadlan; “Acetes Beach Seine Fishery in Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines” by Rother M. Gaudiel; and “Mga Lumot sa Miagao: Algal Mats are Habitat for Tiny Animals and May Stimulate Coastal Productivity” by Carl Bryle Rosal.
This was followed by a round table discussion (RTD) and action planning workshop in the afternoon to discuss issues and challenges regarding fisheries and coastal resource management (CRM), plan activities in response to these issues and challenges, and identify lead and partner institutions.
This activity was facilitated by Regalado. During the workshop, the participants outlined issues and challenges related to fisheries and CRM in Miagao, then, divided into three groups, identified and addressed the top three issues. The participants presented their group workshop outputs.
“We, the fishermen, are thankful to UPV-CFOS for this activity, which allows us to share our concerns and communicate our needs, which we hope will be addressed and given due consideration,” said Jun Naciongayo, one of the fisherfolk participants in the local dialect.
On November 29, a series of simultaneous training sessions and workshops for selected participants were held in CFOS laboratories. However, these were postponed because of work suspension due to unexpected circumstances. Continuation of the conduct of these activities, aimed to enhance the local fisheries and provide technical assistance to the local fishers and their households, will be announced later.
These include training on fish processing technologies, drafting of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) management plan, catfish culture, and fish catch monitoring to be participated in by 47 target beneficiaries. These will be carried out by four CFOS institutes, namely, IFPT, IA, IMFO, and IFPDS.
IFPT’s training on fish processing technologies will be joined by the members of the Gines Bentahan Fisherfolk Association.
The Training Workshop on Catfish Culture by the IA will be attended by fish farmers from upland barangays.
Members of the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (MFARMC) will be trained on fish catch monitoring organized by IMFO.
Fisherfolk from barangays Gines, Calampitao, Lanutan, and Damilisan are the target recipients in the training workshop in drafting the fishery management plan to be organized by the IFPDS. These barangays have declared MPAs in Miagao. They will be joined by the representatives from the Miagao LGU.
Moreover, the fishers were also introduced to selected CFOS technologies on saline-tolerant tilapia, green mussel hatcheries, seaweeds, microalgae paste, and fisheries value-added products exhibited at the AV Hall.
Eden Nequia, an Aquaculturist II from Miagao LGU and a CFOS alumna, expressed gratitude to UPV-CFOS for engaging with them. She was looking forward for the yearly conduct of “Pagpanghimanwa” in partnership with Miagao to uplift the livelihood and tackle issues confronting the marginalized fisherfolk in the locality.
