DA-BFAR IX TRAINS SEAWEED FARMERS AND BANTAY DAGAT VOLUNTEERS IN TWO

MUNICIPALITIES OF ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR

Despite the intensified regulation due to ongoing pandemic, the DA-BFAR IX through Regional
Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division (RFTFCD) still managed to conduct
simultaneous trainings on Seaweeds Farming Technology at San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur, and
Coastal Fishery Law Enforcement at Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur on October 13 – 15, 2021. The
back-to-back activity was headed by Assistant Regional Director/OIC-Chief, RFTFCD Al-zath K.
Kunting, along with technical staff in coordination with Provincial Fishery Office Zamboanga del Sur
led by PFO Mona E. Macabuat ang LGU’s of the municipalities.

Seaweeds Farmer participants of San Pablo who were beneficiaries of a 1/4-hectare Deepsea
Seaweeds Nursery Project were capacitated to enhance their capability with basic knowledge and
skills on Seaweeds Farming Technology as part of the implementation of the said project. Thus,
providing needed impetus towards poverty reduction and the improvement of the livelihood of the
fisherfolk Moreover, seaweed farming, a proven high-income generating fishery venture, is one of
the effective interventions of the government in its paramount objective for a food-secured country.

On the other hand, due to mounting concern of habitat degradation and loss of aquatic biodiversity
coupled with issues on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in some coastal
communities, the conduct of Fishery Law Enforcement training is timely. The activity aims to
capacitate the Bantay Dagat volunteers of Dimataling to combat fishing violators within their
municipal waters. The proper management of the municipality’s marine resources, which includes
the suppressing of prohibited and destructive fishing activities, is strengthened by the institution
and operationalization of community-based volunteer organizations that work with local and
national government in patrolling and providing crucial assistance for seaborne operations in
coastal communities.