The FISH Visayas project promotes coastal protection and vocational training in fisheries.
In the middle of the Philippines, two significant activities in October testified to our clear commitment to environmental, social and economic sustainability. The FISH Visayas project continues its mission to protect marine resources while supporting the local economy through the Dual Education and Training (DET) programme.
MPA Sustainable Management Training in Alburquerque, Bohol
On October 10, 2023, 64 fishermen, community workers, and officials successfully participated in the MPA Sustainable Management Training in Alburquerque. The one-day program, launched by the FISH Visayas project, aimed to comprehensively introduce local fishermen and officials to the core MPA management principles, relevant legal frameworks, and essential tools for evaluation, monitoring, and research.
The fact that the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is indispensable for the management of coastal resources is often not yet anchored in the awareness of local communities. To raise this awareness, the project has successfully engaged three partner organizations from Alburquerque in a training course on the importance of MPAs.
MPA training with a wide range of topics
- Different types of MPAs, including protection zones and multi-use zones
- Benefits MPAs offer for fisheries, tourism and research
- Comprehensive understanding of national and international laws governing MPAs
- MPA designation process and the development of MPA management plans
- Introduction to the MPA Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MPA MEAT)
Partnership to promote dual training in fisheries Alburquerque, Bohol
On October 11, 2023, established and potential partner companies and educational institutions gathered under the umbrella of the Evaluation, Certification and Accreditation Service (CCCI-ACAS) of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry for an important focus group discussion. The main objective was to attract the partners to the upcoming second phase of the Dual Education and Training Programme (DET), which is supported by the FISH Visayas project and consolidates the solidarity and responsibility of our partners.
The meeting witnessed the strong commitment of established academic partners, including the Salazar College of Science and Institute of Technology (SCSIT) and the University of Cebu – Lapu Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM). The discussion took place with the participation of CCCI-ACAS partner companies, including Siargao’s Bounty Seafoods Corp. and Phil Union Frozen Foods Inc., who reiterated their enthusiastic support for the DET program.
EXCURSUS: Insight into the CCICI-ACAS
The CCCI-ACAS is guided by industry standards and certifications to further develop the skills of the workforce. These measures include:
- Development of guidelines for the evaluation of basic qualification certificates,
- the training of chamber examiners,
- monitoring the pilot implementation, and
- Carrying out a Basic Quality Control
All these processes are firmly anchored and institutionalized within the CCCI, with the clear goal of promoting a highly skilled workforce in various sectors through the Dual Education and Training (DET) program.
Innovation for a promising future
These two activities symbolize the commitment of the FISH Visayas project to the sustainable management of marine resources and the development of a skilled workforce. The holistic approach ensures a promising future for both the environment and the local economy and thus for numerous families in the region.
