BARMM Fisheries Personnel Transfer Knowledge on Coral Reef Assessment and Monitoring Using the C5 Method and TAUs
COTABATO CITY (November 6, 2024) —The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), through its Fisheries Services, has successfully organized a Training Workshop focused on Coral Reef Assessment and Monitoring using the C5 Method and an Orientation to Taxonomic Amalgamation Units (TAUs). The event took place at Precious Cabana Resort in Brgy. Badak and Brgy. Tapian, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, from October 28 to 31, 2024.
MAFAR said in its post on Facebook that the workshop aimed to enhance the technical skills of fisheries personnel in coral reef assessment which is crucial for effective policy development, law enforcement regarding endangered corals, and overall management and conservation of coral reefs in the region.
A total of 17 fisheries staff participated in the training, which included various engaging activities such as lectures, land simulations, skills development exercises, and an actual survey. Participants also processed data and took a comprehensive exam to evaluate their understanding and skills gained during the workshop.
Notable resource speakers, Mr. Jesrel Pantaleon, and Mr. June Gabriel Pagalan, were both from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regions 12 and 10, respectively, provided invaluable insights and expertise, enriching the learning experience for all attendees.
During the closing remarks, Hairodin T. Arap, Chief Aquaculturist of the Fisheries Resource Management Division, expressed his gratitude to the resource speakers and emphasized the importance of the training. He highlighted that the newly acquired skills would significantly strengthen the MAFAR Fisheries staff’s ability to conduct efficient coral reef monitoring and assessment within the region.
This training initiative reflects MAFAR’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of its personnel and promoting sustainable practices in coral reef management, thereby contributing to the preservation of marine biodiversity in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). (Tu Alid Alfonso, BMN/BangsamoroToday with report from MAFAR-BARMM)
