The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform through its Fisheries Services, recently organized a Training-Workshop on Coral Reef Assessment and Monitoring using the C5 Method and an Orientation to Taxonomic Amalgamation Units (TAUs).
This event took place at Precious Cabana Resort in Brgy. Badak and Brgy. Tapian, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, from October 28 to 31, 2024.
The workshop aimed to enhance the technical skills of fisheries personnel in coral reef assessment, a key aspect of policy development, law enforcement regarding endangered corals, and overall coral reef management and conservation.
A total of 17 fisheries staff participated, engaging in a variety of activities, including lectures, land simulations, skills development exercises, an actual survey, data processing, and a comprehensive exam at the training’s conclusion.
Notable resource speakers Mr. Jesrel Pantaleon and Mr. June Gabriel Pagalan from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regions 12 and 10, respectively, shared their expertise with the participants.
Hairodin T. Arap, Chief Aquaculturist of the Fisheries Resource Management Division, expressed his gratitude to the resource speakers during the closing remarks, noting that the training would strengthen the MAFAR Fisheries staff’s ability to conduct efficient coral reef monitoring and assessment within the region.
