BAGUIO CITY – In line with the vision of the Fisheries Management Area 1 (FMA1) for a dynamic and sustainable climate resilience FMA to ensure food security and optimum economic benefits, the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office No. 2, in coordination with FMA1 Secretariat and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) conducted the 1st FMA 1-wide IFARMC Sectoral Meeting on August 13-15, 2025 in BFAR CAR, Baguio City. The meeting aims to enhance the understanding of IFARMCs on their roles within the FMA system while promoting stronger collaboration, unity, and linkage among fisherfolk leaders across the regions.

The activity featured presentations on the overview of FMA1 which includes the structure, coverage and governing bodies, guidelines and procedures on the selection of fisherfolk representatives to the FMA presented by FMA1 Secretariat. Meanwhile, Mr. Nazario C. Briguera, Chief of the Information and Fisherfolk Coordination Unit (IFCU) from BFAR Central Office discussed the roles and participation of FARMCs to FMAs, Updates on FARMC initiatives and program implementation. FARMC Budyong was also introduced to the fisherfolks leaders by Mr. Paolo Enrico Paquiz, NFARMC Secretariat.

Further, a plenary session for the fisherfolk leaders was held to present updates and address the various issues and concerns arising from their respective IFARMCs. In addition, an orientation on ZSL’s Philippine Rise Ocean Conservation Area Project and presentation from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) were also conducted.

The meeting was attended by IFARMC Representatives from Region 2 – Babuyan Channel, Magat and Batanes; Lagonoy Gulf IFARMC, Lamon Bay – Bicol IFARMC, San Miguel Bay IFARMC and Albay Gulf IFARMC in Region 05 and Lamon Bay – Quezon IFARMC in Region 4A, partners from ZSL, CIP, FMA1 Secretariat and IFARMC Coordinators.

(Reports from Aleah Cristobal)