BFAR launches countrywide resource sustainability tilt

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) spearheaded the National Search for Outstanding Community Program entitled “Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan” (MMK).

Johann C. Tejada, Focal person, MMK BFAR Region 7 said the program was launched late last year and in this year’s project implementation, MMK shall be limited to coastal municipalities and cities. However, in the succeeding years of implementation, the project shall be expanded to include inland ecosystems.

The Philippine’s fisheries is one of the most exploited resources in Southeast Asia, thus the MMK program aims to promote fisheries protection and conservation, centered on the significance of sustainably managing our fisheries and aquatic resources, and promote stakeholder engagement to the cause of resource protection and conservation.
Moreover, the MMK aims to recognize outstanding initiatives and contributions of coastal municipalities/cities to sustainable fisheries development; to identify coastal municipalities/cities that have exemplary initiatives and accomplishment in the effort against illegal fishing and observance of ecosystem approach to fisheries resource management measures such as off-fishing season and ban on the collection of endangered species, among others; have established, formulated and adopted Marine Protected Area (MPA) or Fisheries Managed Area, have kept coastal waters clean and domestic solid and/or liquid wastes, garbage or industrial effluence flowing to the sea as a result of innovative waste management or other programs have a successful mangrove protection and rehabilitation program, have accomplished or implement unique or innovative operational schemes on coastal resource management; have initiated programs with LGU-funded budget for coastal/fisheries resource management;
To document the best practices and strategies of these outstanding municipalities/cities and promote their replication on adoption among other LGUs; and to encourage other LGUs to adopt best practices and promote awareness on conservation, management and sustainable development of the municipal waters and provide sufficient funds for these endeavors, encourage active participation on the implementation of Municipal Fisheries Ordinance, RA 8550 as amended by RA 10654 and other pertinent laws, enhance partnership between LGUs, other line agencies and the fishing Community in the management of fisheries and coastal resources.
Tejada said the nomination forms were already distributed by BFAR and the nomination must be done through or by the mayor’s office.
All coastal municipalities/cities that have relevant programs and projects based on the criteria which have been operational for at least one year may be nominated or participated in the search.
The duly accomplished nomination forms and documentary requirements shall be submitted to the regional office of the BFAR for regional technical evaluation. The deadline for submission shall be on May.
The MMK documentation shall be prepared by the nominated coastal municipality/city to be assisted by the fisheries technicians of the Office of the Municipal/City Agriculturist. The municipal/city agriculturist shall attest to the veracity and completeness of the information completed in a scrap book.
The search and evaluation process shall be conducted starting at the regional level and ends at the national level.
The National Technical Search Committee’s decision is final and irrevocable once declared by the National Steering Committee and affirmed by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.
The most outstanding MMK national winners shall receive the following award in the form of fisheries livelihood projects: first prize is P10 million and a plaque; second prize – P5 million and a plaque; and the 3rd prize – P3 million and a plaque.
BFAR Regional Director Allan L. Poquita on Jan. 23, 2017 wrote Gov. Edgar M. Chatto seeking support in disseminating the information regarding the MMK search.
Poquita said they will be very happy if they will receive any recommendation or shortlist of communities which are most qualified for the search. (Atoy Cosap)