This year’s graduates of the Training of Trainers (ToT) on Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) vowed to become people–smart and change agents for the cause of EAFM, an integrated management approach that promotes sustainable fisheries by balancing ecological and human well-being through good governance.
Twenty five participants of the ToT on EAFM graduated from the training conducted on June 26-28, 2023 at the Park Inn Hotel, Iloilo City. The participants were from various state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the country, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development–Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
Organized by the DOST-PCAARRD, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Visayas through the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, the EAFM ToT aims to equip the participants with the Essential EAFM training skills with emphasis on the presentation skills, managing conflicts, training, and other activities as competent EAFM trainers. It was also sought to establish a regional pool of EAFM trainers.
Armed with the knowledge, skills, and tools from the three-day training as trainers, the EAFM ToT 2023 graduates signed a pledge of commitment accepting the challenge to work on EAFM and become EAFM champions in the country.
Representing the participants from Luzon, Mr. Jeric Balauro assured that all of their learnings will be shared to their beneficiaries, colleagues, students, and in drafting research proposals for EAFM.
Ms. Raiza Evardoni of the Visayas group stated that the talks, energizers, ice breakers, and ideas on how to enhance approach in handling specific challenges will be replicated in future trainings. She urged her co-trainees to remain committed to their roles as change agents and learning vessels for their stakeholders.
Ms. Lea Jimenez, speaking on behalf of the Mindanao delegates, emphasized the relevance of the training in strengthening the SUCs to work on EAFM and be the EAFM champions in Mindanao, as well as how it challenged them to be people savvy and change agents of EAFM.
Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director of DOST-PCAARRD, extended his gratitude and appreciation to the participants for successfully completing the course, expecting that they will utilize all of their learnings in EAFM implementation when they return to their respective institutions.
Ebora addressed the participants during their graduation ceremony held on the last day of the training. He underscored the significance of active collaboration and strong partnerships in achieving greater success especially in EAFM.
“Congratulations to all of you for your dedication and active engagement and leaning experience that you have worked hard, but in fact the real work only starts now. This is the beginning of our concerted efforts to work with our partners to support the capacity of fisheries management by training more people,” Ebora said.
He urged the participants to apply the program and carry out the activities in collaboration with other agencies.
Ebora hoped to receive research and training proposals from the participants that could be considered for PCAARRD funding.
Dr. Romeo Cabungcal, provincial agriculturist of Palawan, Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, director of Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) of DOST-PCAARRD, and Ms. Ma. Adela C. Corpuz, supervising science research specialist of DOST-PCAARRD were the resource persons and training facilitators.
Cabungcal and Acedera pushed the participants to continue taking on the challenge to be change agent of EAFM and to make a difference as EAFM champions.
The three-day training provided opportunities for the participants to engage in individual, pair and group presentations; practiced in running energizers, reviews, as well as facilitated pair work, small group work, role play, and plenary presentation.
As of this writing, EAFM ToT has produced 73 graduates from four batches of trainings that were conducted in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2023.
