A total of P500 million has been allocated to the Marawi Fisheries and Aquaculture Project to support displaced communities through livelihood restoration, aquaculture-based employment, and development of sustainable freshwater fisheries, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) announced.
The project is part of a program that would provide inland and coastal communities with sustainable livelihood options while addressing ecological constraints in capture fisheries, BFAR said.
This year, the agency said it will translate policies into tangible benefits for fisherfolk and coastal communities, while pushing for science-based management and innovative technologies.
BFAR reported that it 2025, it gained momentum in aquaculture modernization with strengthened hatchery operations, progress in broodstock development, and the establishment of feed mill projects intended to help lower production costs and lessen dependence on imported feeds.
Broodstock refers to a group of sexually mature animals, especially fish or other aquatic organisms, maintained for breeding to produce healthy eggs, sperm, and offspring for aquaculture or conservation.
The agency also celebrated the fifth year of the implementation of the fisheries management area framework, which promotes the development of science-based, area-focused fisheries management, and strengthens the integration of resource sustainability, food security objectives, and the welfare of local fisherfolk.
Among its other achievements, BFAR said, are the revitalized local salt industry which has boosted the livelihood of farmers; stronger tuna traceability systems; expanded fishpond lease agreements to encourage fair and orderly resource use; strengthened fisheries research; and the creation of nine new fisheries administrative policies and circulars through consultative processes.
BFAR likewise reported an improved ranking in the illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing risk index, dropping to 54 from 53 in 2023, making it the fourth-best performer in Asia.
Other plans for 2026 are to continue the implementation of the fisheries management area framework; infrastructure development such as the continuous rollout of integrated aquaculture and fisheries complexes, fish ports, and post-harvest facilities; and start operations in the BFAR-Negros Island Region to boost local implementation, improve service delivery, and better coordination among regional offices and stakeholders.
The BFAR-NIR was established following the creation of the Negros Island Region, which includes the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor Island.