TACLOBAN CITY – Capacitating and empowering the officers and members of the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) in Eastern Visayas on sustainable fisheries management, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 8, National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) 8 and Oceana in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 8 conducted a Fisheries Management Area (FMA) Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Session in Tacloban City on March 16, 2023.

Participated by 60 competent and dedicated communication officers of various National Government Agencies (NGAs) in the Region, resource speakers from the BFAR 8 IEC Unit, NSAP 8, and Oceana introduced and discussed the importance of fisheries management, actions and future endeavors of significant key stakeholders of FMA 8, the science behind it, the status of fisheries in FMA 8, and the results and advocacy of the Oceana Panaon Expedition in Southern Leyte.

“Through the establishment of these FMAs, we aim to provide and adapt science-based, participatory, transparent, and holistic governance for the sustainable management of our fisheries and marine riches. We hope that this session will open doors of opportunity for you and your offices to learn and join on the implementation of these sustainable fisheries management actions for the benefit of our fisherfolk communities and fisheries industry.” These were the hopeful words of BFAR 8 Regional Director Dr. Hannibal M. Chavez as he delivered a message to the government IOs.

PIA Regional Head Cheryl B. Amor and AGIO President Engr. Ramil T. Uy expressed their gratitude to the BFAR 8 and Oceana for having the said informative session with the AGIO. Likewise, several AGIO members shared their interests in future collaboration on the conduct of developmental initiatives relevant to achieving a fish sufficient and well-managed fishery resources in FMA 8, most especially in Region 8.