MAFAR, LGUs hold coordination meeting in relation to FishCORAL Projects in BARMM

The Fisheries, Coastal Resources, and Livelihood or FISHCORAL Project has conducted a 1-day meeting with its partner Local Government Units on May 5, 2022, in Davao City.

MAFAR Region, Provincial Heads attended the said activity, and FishCORAL Manila (PSCO) tackles the ways forward of FISHCORAL Project.

The Regional Project Management Office (RPMO) presented project accomplishments for the past five years, the result of the Participatory Resource and Socio-Economic Assessment for Illana Bay and the Sulu Sea, and the suggested activities beyond project life.

MAFAR Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D., said the FishCORAL project was able to reach or serve 12,000 plus fisherfolk. These fisherfolk were trained, provided with livelihood projects, supported with equipment, and linked to other partners.

The project also ensured that communities are involved in protecting the environment through mangrove planting, protecting the seagrass, which provides food and shelter for many marine organisms, creating an artificial reef to increase fish density in the area, and many more, he added.

He said there is so much more than the project has contributed to our municipalities, people, and environment. In addition, LGU participants from Jolo, Patikul, Maluso, Lantawan, Tabuan Lasa, Kapatagan, Parang, Sultan Mastura, Sultan Kudarat, Datu Odin Sinsuat, and Datu Blah Sinsuat all committed support to continue the project.