The Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project successfully conducted its 6th Implementation Support Mission (ISM) across Cebu and Bohol from May 27 to 29, 2026.
In a Facebook post shared by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), the project focuses on monitoring, environmental and social safeguards compliance, and climate-resilient fisheries development initiatives across Bohol.
The mission formally commenced on May 27 at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 7 (BFAR-7) in Cebu City, led by the World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Team.
The ESS Team was headed by Senior Environmental Specialist Oznur Kuntazal and Senior Social Specialist Jun Zeng, together with specialists from the FishCoRe National and Regional Project Implementing Units and technical personnel from the Fisheries Management Area Coordinating Unit 7.
BFAR-7 Regional Director Mario Ruinata welcomed the delegation and expressed full support for the mission.
During the opening discussions, Kuntazal emphasized that the activity aimed to assess project implementation on the ground, ensure compliance with safeguards, and evaluate how investments are benefiting fishing communities.
A key component of the mission was the inspection of the ongoing construction of the new BFAR-7 Regional Laboratory in Cebu City, which is expected to be completed by June 22, 2026.
The team also reviewed essential safeguard instruments, including the Labor Management Plan, Environmental and Social Management Plan, and Code of Conduct. Mr. Zeng underscored the importance of mandatory orientation programs for contractors and workers on the prevention of workplace harassment and gender-based violence, as well as the institutionalization of effective Grievance Redress Mechanisms.
Site inspections and direct consultations with workers were likewise conducted.
The mission proceeded to Bohol on May 28 and 29, centering activities at the BFAR Multi-species Hatchery in Sinandigan, Ubay.
Through technical briefings, field inspections, and stakeholder consultations, the team assessed the progress and impact of several FishCoRe-supported initiatives.
Among the sites visited were the Aqua Business Technology Incubation (ABTI) Training and Learning Center at the BFAR Multi-species Hatchery in Sinandigan, Ubay; the Bangus Culture in HDPE Rectangular Cages Project in Canhaway, Guindulman; and the Oyster Culture Using Longline Method Project in Poblacion II, Mabini.
Each visit featured project presentations, facility tours, and dialogues with fisherfolk organizations and local government units to evaluate operational sustainability and the effectiveness of climate-resilient interventions.
Joining the mission were World Bank Country Director Zafer Mustafaoglu, Senior Environmental Economist Jingjie Chu, the DA-BFAR Assistant Director for Technical Services and FishCoRe Project Manager, Nunila Pinat, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office, local chief executives from Mabini, Ubay, and Guindulman, and beneficiaries from participating people’s organizations.
The activities culminated in a dinner meeting in Panglao, where observations, findings, and recommendations were presented to the Provincial Government of Bohol through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, headed by Liza Quirog, MNSA.
During the discussions, the PGBh, through OPA, shared ongoing efforts to identify strategic locations for the establishment of a Blue Port along the province’s eastern coastline.
Also endorsed to the FishCoRe Project for possible enhancement was the Mangrove Crab Hatchery in Del Mar, Mabini.
The PGBh likewise proposed the upgrading of the existing PGBh-BISU Multi-species Freshwater Fish Hatchery and Nursery and the establishment of an Alternative Fish Feed Mill in Sinandigan, Ubay.
Both initiatives are products of the BISU-OPA-BFAR Tripartite Research Project and are designed to strengthen local feed security, promote sustainable aquaculture, and advance fisheries research and development.
The FishCoRe Project seeks to improve fisheries management, rehabilitate marine habitats, modernize aquaculture systems, and enhance fisherfolk’s livelihoods across 11 regions and 24 provinces nationwide.
In Central Visayas, the project covers Region 7, including the 17 municipalities of Bohol under Fisheries Management Area 9.
Key interventions include ecosystem-based fisheries management, investments in cold storage facilities, fish landing sites, hatcheries, climate-resilient fish cages, and value-adding initiatives in fish processing and post-harvest handling.
Aligned with the Bohol Strategic Agenda and the province’s commitment as a UNESCO Global Geopark, the PGBh reaffirmed its support for climate-smart agriculture and fisheries development, highlighting youth-driven agri-fishery clusters as vital components of food security and sustainable economic growth.
The PGBh also commended BFAR, the World Bank, local government partners, fisherfolk organizations, and all stakeholders for the successful conduct of the 6th Implementation Support Mission.
The activity further strengthened collaboration among implementing partners while reaffirming commitments to environmental compliance, operational excellence, inclusive development, and the advancement of a more resilient, food-secure, and climate-smart Bohol. (PIMO/RJG)
