DA-BFAR 6, Blue Alliance partner for sustainable fisheries in W. Visayas
The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 6 (DA-BFAR 6) has linked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Blue Alliance Philippines – a science-based non-government organization, to collaborate on the effective and sustainable management of the Locally-Managed Marine Protected Areas (LMMPA) in the region on September 16, 2025.
Under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework, both parties commit to collaborate on conservation, research, aquaculture, law enforcement, and community engagement in Fisheries Management Area 5 and the Visayan Seas.
Mr. Erwin E. Ilaya, Chief of the Fisheries Management, Regulatory, and Enforcement Division of DA-BFAR 6, underscored the significance of the initiative.
“This collaboration with Blue Alliance Philippines strengthens our shared mission of protecting Western Visayas’ rich marine biodiversity.” he said.
As agreed in the MOA, DA-BFAR 6 will lead training and enforcement operations, assist local government units in updating fisheries ordinances, and support aquaculture initiatives such as crab farming, sea cucumber culture, and seaweed processing. The bureau will also work with Blue Alliance in joint patrols against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF).
Meanwhile, Blue Alliance will provide technical and logistical support, mobilize investments for aquaculture enterprises through its sister organization AquaHub Philippines, and supply hatchery-produced or juvenile aquaculture species, such as, but not limited to, mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) and sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra) stocks for community-based projects. The NGO will also help establish monitoring systems, introduce new marine assessment technologies, and back law enforcement efforts with resources and manpower.
Both parties stressed that the partnership is not only about protecting marine ecosystems but also about improving the lives of fisherfolk by linking conservation with sustainable livelihoods.
The MOA signing was attended by representatives from Blue Alliance, led by Mr. Bonifacio Tobias, National Manager; representatives from AquaHub, led by Mr. Myckle Tibubos, Project Manager; and representatives from DA-BFAR Region 6, led by Mr. Erwin E. Ilaya, Chief of the Fisheries Management, Regulatory and Enforcement Division, and Ms. Jessica C. Esmao, Chief of the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division.
This initiative is part of the week-long celebration of Fisheries Conservation Week, an annual event observed every month of September by virtue of Presidental Proclamation No. 316. This year’s theme, “Pangisdaang Masagana, Sapat na Isda sa Bawat Pamilya,”, aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving marine resources to ensure food security and support the livelihoods of fisherfolk. (BFAR 6)
