In observance of the 61st Fish Conservation Week and with the aim to create a development plan for the fisherfolk sector and enhance sustainable livelihood and fisheries productivity in Isabela City, the City Government of Isabela under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman together with the City Agriculture Office’s Environment and Natural Resources Division led by Senior Environment Management Specialist Albino Orbecido, and the Fields Operations and Extension Services Division (Fishery Development Section), headed by Supervising Officer Eugene Strong, organized the Isabela de Basilan Fisherfolk Summit 2024, September 18. With the theme “Pangingisda’y Paunlarin. Karagata’y Pagyamanin.”, the event comes on the heel as Isabela City is designated the Regional Aquamarine and Fisheries Production Hub under the 10-Year RDC IX Regional Development Plan (2018-2028).
City Administrator Pedrito Eisma, in his welcome remarks, emphasized the summit as a key platform for local fisherfolk to voice their concerns and aspirations. He stressed the importance of their involvement in shaping a sustainable fisheries plan and ensuring the long-term viability of the city’s fishing industry.
Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman underscored that the summit was a long-promised initiative aimed at addressing fisherfolk’s needs through a clear process. She encouraged active participation from the participants, acknowledging that while immediate solutions may not be feasible, the summit would help clarify the situation and gather valuable recommendations.
DILG Isabela City Field Office Unit (FOU) Local Government Operations Officer VI (LGOO VI) Jaber Jamani reiterated the role of DILG in supporting the local government’s efforts to foster community engagement and ensure that the policies and programs developed from the summit align with national goals of inclusive development and environmental stewardship.
DA-BFAR IX Regional Director Al-Zath Kunting praised the summit for promoting collaboration and refining strategies for marine resource protection and sustainable practices. He reaffirmed BFAR’s commitment to improving fisherfolk livelihoods through capacity-building programs and partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and the private sector. He commended Isabela City and its partners for building a resilient and sustainable fisheries sector. He reiterated Isabela City’s fishery industry in Zamboanga Peninsula region.
DOST IX Project Technical Assistant Jeron Elloran, representing Regional Director Martin Wee, highlighted the role of science, technology, and innovation in advancing the fishing industry and coastal communities. He thanked the fisherfolk for their contributions despite challenges and emphasized DOST’s support through programs like the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) and the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
The summit also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between DA-BFAR IX, represented by RD Al-Zath Kunting; LGU-Isabela City, represented by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman; and the Marang-Marang Fishermen Organization, represented by President Jumad Totoh. Additionally, a turn-over ceremony took place for the delivery of two 10-meter diameter HDPE marine fish cages, complete with necessary components.
The Pasada GoGo Isabela program, spearheaded by the City Information Office, also actively took part in the event, aiming to promote public awareness on the principles of ‘Good Governance.’
During the Fisherfolk Summit plenary session, ENRD-CAgO Engr. Rall Harvey Hadap presented the current state of Isabela City’s fisheries, highlighting challenges such as overfishing and pollution. Next, DTI Trade and Industry Development Specialist Mikelo Lumel Manapol discussed the economic impact of the fishing industry.
The summit served as an avenue for fisherfolks to sit down with investors and stakeholders to enhance sustainable livelihood and enterprise development in the fishery sector. Seafood Founder and Chief Executive Officer Mary Adelyn Gronda Tecson emphasized sustainable seafood practices. Sinaya Seafood is a social enterprise that creates a network of strategic partnerships to empower fishing community enterprises. She hailed the quality of seafoods found in Isabela City, that can compare to international standards. This potential is a competitive advantage for Isabela fishery industry and encouraged everyone to be part of solution and not the pollution.
In the afternoon, Engr. Weslie Capute of OceanPixel Pte. Ltd. covered the Blue Economy strategy. Senior Fishery Regulatory Officer Glenn Boleng from DA-BFAR IX then addressed fisheries laws and conservation, followed by Mangrove Focal Person Joie Ramos from DENR IX, who spoke on coastal conservation law.
Prof. Divina Ramillano introduced food innovation programs from the Zamboanga Peninsula Food Innovation Center. National Mariculture Center Project Assistant Rommel Davad focused on mariculture development, and PTA Elloran, along with Maybank Branch Manager Muhammad Ashraf Madjani and LANDBANK Zamboanga City Lending Center Account Officer Mario Antonio, discussed DOST programs and credit facilities and grants available to fisherfolk, respectively.
During the breakout session, DA-BFAR IX-Isabela City Officer-in-Charge Robert Apurado gave an in-depth presentation on tuna handling and Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and the gave an orientation on Local Transport Permit. He explained the different types of handline fishing gear, FAD classes, and the regulations governing them. Apurado also emphasized safety measures for small-scale fishers.
The session focused the value adding of selected fishery products by ZPFICM Manager Ramillano and on branding and value-added strategies for fishery products, with DTI IX TIDS Manapol stressing the importance of creating strong brands to enhance marketability and support local livelihoods.
In closing, SP Chair on the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, Candu Muarip, expressed his gratitude to all participants for their active involvement in the summit. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges faced by the local fishing community and reiterated the City Government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations gathered from the event to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of Isabela City’s fisheries sector.
Participated in by fisherfolk from the barangays of Carbon, Diki, Panigayan, Lukbuton, Marang-Marang, Lampinigan, and Tampalan, the event was also attended by Development Management Officer Christian Kier Alberto from the Mindanao Development Authority, representing Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, alongside Isabela City councilors James Abner Rodriguez, Yusop Abubakar, Jeromy Casas, Candu Muarip, Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul, and IPMR Mary May Julhari. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
