BFAR Region 6

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗠𝗔 𝟭𝟭 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹! 🌊🐟

Over 100 participants including fisheries managers, scientists, policymakers, LGU representatives, fisherfolk organizations, and partners from Regions 5, 6, 7, and the Negros Island Region, came together in Iloilo City for two days of meaningful discussion and partnership.

To our speakers, presenters, FMA 11 body members, institutional partners, and every participant who traveled to be part of this summit, thank you! Your presence and dedication to sustainable fisheries management make FMA 11 what it is: the FMA of Firsts.

Let us continue the work that we have began in advancing science-based, participatory, and equitable fisheries governance for the benefit of our coastal communities and the generations that will come after us. 💙

Until the next summit! 🐠

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗠𝗔 𝟭𝟭 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝘄𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗽 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲!

The morning was packed with technical presentations covering the roles and responsibilities of FMA 11 bodies, FMA 11 Reference Points, and the FMA 11 Framework and Harvest Strategy giving participants an overview of the scientific and operational foundation of fisheries governance in FMA 11.

The summit concluded with the unanimous adoption of the FMA 11 Summit Resolution 2026, a collective pledge to advance science-based, participatory, and socially equitable fisheries management, fast-track the FMA 11 Aquaculture Development Plan, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and hold biennial FMA 11 Summit as a platform for progress and partnership.

Guided by science. Strengthened by collaboration. Inspired by our coastal communities. We are FMA 11.

𝗙𝗠𝗔 𝟭𝟭 𝗨𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀

On the sidelines of the FMA 11 Summit, the FMA 11 Exhibit was formally opened at the Zuri Hotel, Iloilo City, giving participants an opportunity to explore the science, policy, and on-the-ground work that strengthens the management of one of the country's key fisheries areas.

FMA 11 provinces including Capiz, Cebu, Guimaras, Iloilo, Masbate, Negros Occidental, and Negros Oriental prepared their own posters, showcasing how local efforts have shaped and strengthened fisheries governance since the management area's establishment. It offers a closer look at the collaborative work of the Management Board, Scientific Advisory Group, Technical Working Group, and partner institutions in building an evidence-based approach to fisheries governance.The secretariat also mounted posters tracing the journey of FMA 11 from its formalization in 2019 under Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 263 to its present milestones giving summit participants a visual chronicle of progress, partnerships, and perseverance.

Participants took time to view the exhibit during the networking period, sparking conversations among scientists, managers, and stakeholders ahead of the summit's second day. # # #

𝗗𝗔-𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝟲, 𝗗𝗔-𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝗡𝗜𝗥, & 𝗨𝗦𝗟𝗦 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Iloilo City - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 6, BFAR Negros Island Region (NIR), and the University of St. La Salle (USLS) formalized their partnership through the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) during the FMA 11 Summit on May 13, 2026.

Director Remia A. Aparri of DA-BFAR 6, Director Rene Parreño of DA-BFAR NIR, and Dr. Romeo G. Teruel, Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement of USLS, represented their institutions during the signing of the MOA, which formalizes the partnership towards a science-based conservation and protection of marine mammals and their habitats within FMA 11.

“The conduct of the Irrawaddy dolphin population estimate survey is a significant undertaking that will provide valuable scientific data necessary for policy formulation, fisheries management, and conservation planning,” said Dr. Teruel in his message.

Under the MOA, the three institutions committed to collaborative efforts on marine mammal stranding response and necropsy, as well as capacity-building activities aimed at strengthening local expertise in marine mammal conservation.

“More importantly, this collaboration demonstrates how government agencies and higher education institutions can work together to address complex environmental concerns through interdisciplinary and collaborative action,” Dr. Teruel added.

Director Aparri, who is also the Chairperson of the Blue Swimming Crab National Technical Working Group (BSC-NTWG), spearheads the broader program on BSC fishery management, including this MOA, to address the issue of List of Foreign Fisheries (LOFF) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act implemented by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries). # # #

𝗙𝗠𝗔 𝟭𝟭 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗼 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆

Fisheries managers, scientists, policymakers, and partners from Regions 5, 6, 7, and the Negros Island Region gathered at the Zuri Hotel, Iloilo City as the Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 11 Summit officially opened today under the theme "Intertwining Science, Policy, and Social Equity."

Messages of support were delivered by FMA 11 Management Board members Regional Director (RD) Mario N. Ruinata of DA-BFAR 7, RD Ariel U. Pioquinto of DA-BFAR 5, and RD Rene B. Parreño of DA-BFAR NIR, reflecting the multi-regional commitment to advancing fisheries management in FMA 11.

DA-BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig served as the keynote speaker, with RD Ruinata delivering the message on his behalf.

“As we gather, allow me to emphasize that our shared work now moves beyond planning and toward stronger implementation. Our Fishery Management Plans are now put into measurable, practical, and enforceable actions on the ground,” said Director Salilig in his message.

The session also featured a presentation on the status and rationale of FMAs as a national management mechanism by Kima Karla Cedo, Senior Aquaculturist at the Capture Fisheries Division of DA-BFAR Central Office.

This was followed by the FMA 11 Chairperson's Report by RD Remia A. Aparri of DA-BFAR Region 6, highlighting the milestones achieved under FMA 11.

"What makes FMA 11 truly special? We are proud to call ourselves the FMA of Firsts," RD Aparri proudly said.

"We have been a pioneer in FMA governance and implementation and consistently at the forefront of putting the FMA framework into practice,” she added.

RD Aparri further added that among the 12 FMAs in the country, FMA 11 was recognized as an early adopter of science-based tools, with research and data integrated into every major management decision. In fact, strong inter-agency and inter-regional collaboration has been built across administrative boundaries in service of the shared area. Moreover, governance was developed alongside social protection programs, ensuring that fisherfolk, not just the key fish species, remain at the center of the work.

The summit, which is another first for FMA 11, continues with the awarding of the outgoing members of the FMA 11 Management Board, Scientific Advisory Group, Technical Working Group, and partners. After the awarding, the new set of members will take their oath. # # #

𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 📢

The DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) invites concerned stakeholders to a public consultation regarding proposed amendments to Fisheries Administrative Order No. 221 (s. 2003). This update addresses the regulations governing the importation of live fish, aquatic products, microorganisms, and biomolecules.

All interested parties are encouraged to participate and may submit queries or concerns via email at [email protected] or [email protected].

Your input is vital to ensuring a secure and sustainable regulatory framework for our nation’s aquatic resources.

𝗗𝗔-𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀

The Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR)opened its three-day Management Committee Meeting and Strategic Planning Session yesterday, May 10, 2026, in Iloilo City.

The Bureau's senior leadership, regional directors, and key technical divisions gathered to review the status of flagship projects, including the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project, the Enhanced Philippine Seaweed Development Program (EPSDP), the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), and the Development of Salt Industry Project (DSIP), as well as the Bureau's regular plans, programs, and activities.

The vetting of implementation guidelines for the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP) for the municipal, commercial, and aquaculture sub-sectors was the main topic in the meeting. This is part of DA-BFAR's ongoing response to the fuel crisis, which has significantly affected the income and operations of Filipino fisherfolk nationwide.

The Bureau’s National Director emphasized that there should be no delay in the delivery of services and assistance to the fisherfolk and directed the regional offices, centers, and divisions to prioritize the processing of PAFFP.

The activity is facilitated by BFAR's Fisheries Planning and Economics Division (FPED), Finance and Management Division (FMD), Fisheries Resources Management Division (FRMD), Capture Fisheries Division (CFD), and Inland Fisheries Aquaculture Division (IFAD), with coordination support from BFAR Regional Fisheries Office VI. # # #

From PIA Western Visayas:

A newly opened aquaculture feed mill in Iloilo is set to improve the affordability and efficiency of fish farming in Western Visayas, with government and research institutions highlighting its role in boosting regional production and easing the burden on fish farmers.

The facility, launched on April 27 within the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center-Aquaculture Department complex in Tigbauan, was developed through a partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Office 6.

A newly opened aquaculture feed mill in Iloilo is set to improve the affordability and efficiency of fish farming in Western Visayas, with government and research institutions highlighting its role in boosting regional production and easing the burden on fish farmers.

The facility, launched on April 27 within the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center-Aquaculture Department complex in Tigbauan, was developed through a partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Office 6.

Goodness gracious...ang inittt! ☀️🥵📈

DA-BFAR Region 6 reminds everyone to stay hydrated and practice proper pond and fisheries management during extreme heat conditions brought by El Niño.

Protect yourself, your livelihood, and your aquatic resources this dry season. 🐟🌊