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The Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project

2023-2029

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

Presented by:

ARLYN MORALES-MENDOZA

Senior Aquaculturist/ OIC, Fisheries Resource Management Section.

FISHCORE FISHCRRM RPIU 6 Component Lead

BFAR Region 3, City of San Fernando, Pampanga

PAMB Meeting Apr. 2, 2025, PAMO Office, Masinloc, Zambales

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Milestones

September 9, 2019 – World Bank pre-Project Identification Mission
November 5-7, 2019 – BFAR conducted a project concept note writeshop with concerned DA agencies, DENR BMB and CCC
March 6, 2020 – Consultation meeting with Climate Change Commission (CCC)
April 24, 2020 – Project Concept Note and Logframe endorsement to DOF
May 4-14, 2020 – World Bank conducted an Identification Mission
May 2020 to Jan 2021 - Analytical studies conducted by WB through ProBlue TA
June 5, 2020 – presentation of initial results of selection of priority FMAs
November 2020 to June 2021- Feasibility Study preparation
March 2021-June 2021 - Focus Group Discussions and Consultations
July 9, 2021 - submission of FS report to NEDA ICC
September - December 2021 – BFAR presented to NEDA Regions and successfully obtain the Regional Development Council (RDC) endorsements
November 2021 –October 2022 – defended the updated FishCoRe Project in the Philippine Government Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) and was given approval
Aug. 23, 2023 –World Bank FishCoRe Project Loan Effectiveness

In a WB Pre-project Identification mission last September 9, 2019, WB shared that there is an on-going initiative of BFAR to access a grant technical assistance (TA) or the ProBlue TA which will be executed by WB on the coastal resiliency efforts of the Bureau. WB also updated that beyond the TA, it can also provide investment loan/explore additional opportunity in the implementation of coastal resiliency and coastal resource management. Thus, BFAR drafted a concept paper for this project.

April 24, 2020 – PCN endorsement to DOF for inclusion in the WB pipeline of projects

July 2020 to January 2021 - Conduct of analytical studies by WB through ProBlue TA which was used by the FS team in the preparation of the FS report

November 2020 to March 2021 - FS preparation by a consultancy firm hired by BFAR

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Fisheries Management Area 6

FMA 6 Profile

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Coverage

Fisheries Management Areas 6 and 9 covering 11 regions and a total of 24 provinces, with a total area of about 32 million hectares of coastal and marine waters.

FMA No.	Area (Has)	Regions Covered	Coastal and Marine waters covered	Provinces Covered
6	29,393,000	1, 3, 4A, 4B, NCR, CAR (Lead: Region 3)	coastal waters off the West Philippines Sea including Pagudpud Bay, Subic Bay, Manila Bay to Lubang Island	Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Occidental Mindoro, Metro Manila, and Abra
9	2,822,800	7, 8, 9, 10, 13 (Lead: Region 10)	Bohol Sea, Panguil Bay, Iligan Bay, Gingoog Bay, Butuan Bay, and Sogod Bay	Agusan del Norte, Bohol, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Siquijor, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga del Sur

Fisheries Management Areas 6 and 9 covering 11 regions and a total of 24 provinces, with a total area of about 32 million hectares of coastal and marine waters.

Through Fisheries Administrative Order 263 of 2019, Fisheries Management Areas (FMA) were established for the Conservation and Management of Fisheries in Philippines Waters. It is a new approach of fisheries governance, as it delineates the entire PHL waters into management areas for a science-based, participatory and transparent governance framework. Within the FMA, both BFAR and LGUs together with the other stakeholders are envisioned to follow the same direction for fisheries management and synergistically work together, informed by science.

criteria selection

The FishCoRe’s Fishery Management Areas (FMA) 6 and 9 went through a two step-selection process, the criteria of which were drawn and agreed upon by the DA-BFAR, DA-PDS and WB. All 12 FMAs were assessed/evaluated in the initial assessment. The initial assessment criteria/factors took into account of: (i) level of vulnerability to threats, both natural and man-made (25); (ii) status of the Fisheries Resource (20); (iii) level of access to opportunities and investments on resiliency and sustainability (15); and (iv) contribution of the Fisheries Sector to the Economy, and, level of institutional capacity or governance.

All FMAs who scored above the mean score of 70 were subjected to the 2nd level criteria. Eight FMAs were subjected to the 2nd step assessment after which, FMA 6 and 9 were finally selected.

The 2nd step criteria/factors used were: (i) Pipeline and Existing ODA-funded Projects (e.g. Coastal Resiliency Project in the Eastern Seaboard, GEF-funded project to be implemented by DENR with component 2 on Livelihood c/o BFAR; (ii) Aquaculture potential where FMA 6 had milkfish, tilapia, shrimp, shellfish, seaweeds; FMA 9 had shrimps, seaweeds, milkfish, crabs, lobster; and (iii) geographic scope/area covered by the FMA where FMA 6 covered 5 Regions and 13 Provinces while FMA 9 traversed Visayas and Mindanao with 5 Regions and 9 Provinces.

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FishCORE Project Goal and Purpose

	Key Indicators
Goal: “Enhanced ecosystem and community resilience in FMA 6 and 9	Zero hunger incidence year-round for 85% of household beneficiaries 80% of beneficiaries express satisfaction on resilience improvement Reduction by 1-5% the incidence of IUU fishing activities in target FMAs
Purpose: “Improved management of fishery resources, and enhanced value of fisheries production to coastal communities in selected Fishery Management Areas“	Two ecosystem-based Fisheries Management Plans (FMP) formulated in FMAs 6 and 9 by 2022; implemented starting 2023; and evaluated by 2025 increase by 3% annually household income in real terms starting 2025 post-harvest losses reduced by 5%, by 2028 50% of major fish stocks covered in Fishery Management Plans (FMP) moving towards target reference points, by 2028 Value-added in fishery commodities in targeted areas increased by 3% annually in real terms

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DURATION:

Seven (7) years (2023-2029)

Duration, Beneficiaries & Budget

DIRECT BENEFICIARIES:

Potential direct beneficiaries are about 547,000 fisherfolk (285,319 in FMA 6 and 261,566 in FMA 9)
About 81,731 fisherfolks in Region 3
Private fisheries sector, fisherfolk groups, fishing community
Provincial, Municipal and City LGUs & extension staff

BUDGETARY REQUIREMENTS:

Loan Proceeds: Php 9,600million (84%)

GOP/BFAR counterpart: Php 660.65 million (6%)

Private/Beneficiary Groups: Php 1,161.42 million (10%) thru PPP modalities

Total Project Cost: Php 11.42 billion

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Overall Objectives and Project Components

To enhance ecosystem and community resilience in FMA 6 and 9

Improved management of fishery resources, and enhanced value of fisheries production

to coastal communities in selected Fishery Management Areas

Component 1: FishCRRM

Fisheries and Coastal-Resilient Resource Planning and Management

1.1 Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management Planning and Institutions

1.2 Aquaculture Development and Management

1.3 Strengthening Management of Coastal Resources in Municipal Waters

Component 2: MARLIN

Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investments

2.1 Fishers’ Livelihood Diversification & Development

2.2 Aquaculture & Fisheries Enterprise Development

2.3 Aquaculture & Fisheries Infrastructure

Component 3: SuPrim

Support to Project Implementation & Management

BFAR as the responsible agency for overall project management and implementation

Effective and sustained project management and implementation

The FishCORE Project goal is an “Enhanced ecosystem and community resilience in FMA 6 and 9”.

Purpose is improved management of fishery resources, and enhanced value of fisheries production to coastal communities in selected Fishery Management Areas“

The Project has 3 Components, namely:

Component 1: FishCRRM – focuses on strengthening FMA Oversight and management, FMA policy studies and Guidelines, and Coastal and Marine Resources Management.
Component 2: MARLIN – focuses on climate-resilient infrastructure and other support facilities, fisheries and aquaculture enterprise development, and promotion and adoption of climate resilient technologies through extension and advisory services.
Component 3: SuPrim – focuses on the effective and sustained project management and implementation as well as establishment and operationalization of MIS and M&E Systems.

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Component 1

Sub-Components	Target/Deliverables
1.1 Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) Planning and Institutions	By Y2, formulation and adoption of FMA Framework Plans in FMAs 6 and 9 approved by their respective FMA MB
1.2 Aquaculture Development and Management	At least one ecosystem-based ADMP formulated in FMAs 6 and 9 by Y2; integrated into LGU CRM and LCCAPs starting Y3
1.3 Strengthening Management of Coastal Resources in Municipal Waters	At least two resource assessment studies on protection of critical habitats implemented by Y5; and adopted and translated by 40 LGUs into local legislation starting Y6 onwards.

Component 1

Component 2

Component 3

FishCoRe has 3 components: 2 technical areas, the first of which is Fisheries and Coastal Resilient Resource Planning & Management (FISHCRRM) with 3 sub-components namely,

1.1 Fishery Planning & Institutions - aims to develop FMA framework Plan and Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management plans for both FMAs 6 and 9 and improve the governance structure and mechanism.

1.2 Aquaculture Development Planning & Management -intends to develop an ecosystem-based aquaculture development plan and integrate into the LGU Coastal Resource Mgt including climate change risks

1.3 Strengthening Management of coastal Resources in Municipal Waters- aims for the habitat-related ordinances to complement the fisheries ordinances as part of the protection and rehabilitation strategies.

This component is set to improve Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) and science based resource planning and management; established and implemented in FMA 6 and FMA 9.

Major activities include FMA/EAFM/EAAqM planning down to the LGUs, Development and implementation of FMA policies/guidelines for fishery management; Development and implementation of CRTs and measures; dev’t and implementation of nature based solutions for livelihood that could progress to an enterprise level which the 2nd component MARLIN develops and implements in a larger scale.

This component would include adoption of climate-smart, biomass fueled renewable energy component for post harvest facilities in Aqua-Industrial business corridors following the ecosystems-based approach to fisheries management.

To cite an example is the climate-smart initiatives in Taguig (Bayanihan 2, planting of high-yield bamboo along shorelines and in-between road networks for air pollution and source of its biomass for low-impact renewable energy) cost is around 100M.

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PRIORITY ACTIVITIES (2023-2025)	Timeframe
Activity	Y1	Y2	Y3
1.1.B. Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) Planning
FMA Bodies Operation Operations for FMA Bodies (MB, TWG, Sec) Meetings/FGDs/Policy Consultations
FMP Planning Workshops (Series of Workshops – formulation, crafting, drafting, etc.)
Meetings/Capacity Building Training: Meetings for the Establishment and Operationalization of Law Enforcement with various stakeholders Special leadership training on interpretation of scientific results Workshop/Stakeholders engagement of the FMA integrated operations plan at sub-regional level Local government and stakeholder training Training on MCS technical aspects for BFAR
FMP Annual Review Workshop

Sub-Component 1.1

Sub-Component 1.2

Sub-Component 1.3

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Fisheries Management Area 6

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Fisheries Management Area 6

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Fisheries Management Area 6

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PRIORITY ACTIVITIES (2023-2025)	Timeframe
Activity	Y1	Y2	Y3
1.1.C. Strengthening National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP)
Conduct of Monitoring and Stock Assessment Inventory of Boat and Gear with Socio-Economic Study on Reproductive Biology and Population Trainings (Updated Methodologies, Workshop, Consultations)
Procurement of Patrol Boats (in selected areas)
Capacity Building and Strengthening for BFAR Specialized training on the interpretation of scientific results/SAG Technical Assistance (TA): (a) Strengthen Existing Fisheries Surveys in Selected FMAs (b) Strengthen Fish Stocks Assessments and to Formulate and Evaluate Fisheries Management Plans (c) Strengthening existing Fisheries Resource and Ecological Assessment/Surveys

Sub-Component 1.1

Sub-Component 1.2

Sub-Component 1.3

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PRIORITY ACTIVITIES (2023-2025)	Timeframe
Activity	Y1	Y2	Y3
1.1.D. Policy Study
Policy Review Workshop, Drafting, Stakeholder Engagement & Consultations, Enactment, Implementation
1.1.E. IEC Campaign
Procurement of Multimedia Equipment Popularization Campaign Production of IEC Materials (Project Profile, FMA Plan, etc.)

Sub-Component 1.1

Sub-Component 1.2

Sub-Component 1.3

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Sub-Component 1.2 Aquaculture Development and Management

PRIORITY ACTIVITIES (2023-2025)	Timeframe
Activity	Y1	Y2	Y3
1.2.A. Development of ADM Plan
TWG Meetings
Consultation/Planning Workshop
Stakeholder engagement and social preparation (Workshop)
Development of ADMP (CapB of BFAR Staff Program review WS procurement)
Stakeholders Meeting (Aquaculture conference)
Roll-out and Promotion of ADMP

Sub-Component 1.1

Sub-Component 1.2

Sub-Component 1.3

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PRIORITY ACTIVITIES (2023-2025)	Timeframe
Activity	Y1	Y2	Y3
1.2.B. Roll-Out of Aquaculture Registration (AquaR)
BFAR TWG Meetings
Upgrading of AquaR in BFAR Server
Pilot Training of upgraded AquaR
Training of Trainers
Stakeholders consultation
Maintenance of AquaR Server
Roll-out of AquaR in LGUs (training-WS, field validation, program review WS)

Sub-Component 1.1

Sub-Component 1.2

Sub-Component 1.3

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Sub-Component 1.3 ��Strengthening Management of Coastal Resources in Municipal Waters

PRIORITY ACTIVITIES (2023-2025)	Timeframe
Activity	Y1	Y2	Y3
1.3.A. Development of Coastal Resource Management Plan for Habitat Protection & Management
Develop Coastal Habitat Management Framework & Rehabilitation Framework Groundworking Activities (meetings) Training of Trainers on CHMR Planning and Monitoring Conduct of CMHPRMP Planning Workshop
Surveys for Marine Habitats with emphasis on ecosystem services (MPA, FS) for fisheries Training on Community-based Monitoring Program per LGU/ Baseline Assessment for Marine Habitats Conduct of Habitat Assessment Surveys, stock assessment, vulnerability assessments)

Sub-Component 1.1

Sub-Component 1.2

Sub-Component 1.3

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PRIORITY ACTIVITIES (2023-2025)	Timeframe
Activity	Y1	Y2	Y3
1.3.B. Marine and Coastal Zoning Management
Develop Marine Spatial Plan and Coastal Zone Management Plans Consultation Meeting, Workshops on MSP Framework Conduct of Local Training-Workshop on MSP/CZM for LGUs and Stakeholders
1.3.C. Support to Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS)
Procurement of Equipment
MCS Center Support to Operation
Development of MCS Plan Conduct of MCS Planning Workshop Training on MCS technical aspects for LGUs

Sub-Component 1.1

Sub-Component 1.2

Sub-Component 1.3

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PRIORITY ACTIVITIES (2023-2025)	Timeframe
Activity	Y1	Y2	Y3
1.3.D. Research and Demonstration of Alternative Livelihood and Diversified Income Opportunities for affected communities
Mangrove Rehabilitation and Mangrove Crab Management Demo
Development of efficient and sustainable fishing gears/ Conversion of unsustainable gears
Coastal Habitat Rehabilitation
Establishment of Nurseries for Mangrove to support massive replanting efforts
Ecotourism (MPA sites)
Stock enhancement of depleted shellfishes and sea cucumbers in coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and tidal flats

Sub-Component 1.1

Sub-Component 1.2

Sub-Component 1.3

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Component 2

Components	Target/Deliverables
Component 2: Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investments (MARLIN) 2.1 Fishers’ Livelihood Diversification & Development 2.2 Aquaculture & Fisheries Enterprise Development 2.3 Aquaculture & Fisheries Infrastructure	By Y7, 6 (3 each per FMA) ABCs established and operational in FMA By Y7, ABTI platforms operationalized for fishery extension services delivery in 50% of participating provinces in project sites Market development support services piloted per FMA by Y3; and operational starting Y6 onwards (including online marketing platform, market promotion, and web-based market information system) By Y7, 18 PPCP forged (three of each of six ABCs in 2.1) to support value-adding and/or scaling up of enterprise operations (disaggregated by scale of eenterprises By Y7, 25% of the livelihood and enterprises subprojects are headed by women

Component 1

Component 2

Component 3

The 2nd technical component is the MODERN RESILIENT LIVELIHOOD INVESTMENTS OR MARLIN which aims to contribute to the outcomes of enhanced value of fisheries production, reduction in post-harvest losses and increase in fisheries-derived income through modern and resilient catalytic investments for livelihood, enterprises, technologies, facilities and support services delivered effectively to target stakeholders in FMA 6 and 9.

MARLIN capitalizes on the gains of FishCRRM’s enabling environment in fishery management so while fishing management measures are being implemented in FMA 6 and FMA 9, supplemental livelihood would be provided to fisherfolk during the lean-, off-, or closed- fishing seasons.

MARLIN has 3 subcomponents: (Objectives of the subcomponents are already discussed above)

2.1 Capture Fisheries Enterprise Development,

2.2 Aquaculture and Fisheries Enterprise Dev’t and

2.3. Aquaculture and Fisheries Infrastructure

Clustering of these enterprise development subprojects together with the production-related enterprises identified in specific provinces will comprise the Aqua-Industrial Business Corridors (ABCs). There will be 5 and 4 ABCs in FMA 6 and 9, respectively. Aquaculture production-related development enterprises will be clustered as part of the Aqua-Industrial Business Corridors (ABCs) to geographically integrate the production segment in the value chain from broodstock, hatchery, nursery, grow-out farms, up to post harvest, processing, and marketing. This is in line with the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 27 on “Farm and Fisheries Clustering Program” as well as in harmony with the initial initiatives of DA-BFAR on the creation of Agro-Industrial Business Corridors. Clustering of enterprises will facilitate the enhancement of a more effective and efficient provision of support services such as capacity building in climate smart aquaculture technologies, environmental and diseases monitoring, access to credit and finance, and marketing, particularly to resource poor fisherfolk. Clustering of enterprises will also improve “economies of scale” and achieve better cost efficiency.

On the the other hand, RDE will pilot the Fisheries Technology Business Incubators (FTBIs) to promote innovations and technology application for start-up and small fishery business enterprises through the delivery of a bundle of services (i.e., demand-driven technology development, capacity building on entrepreneurship, access to financing, business facilitation, and infrastructure development).

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Components	Target/Deliverables
Component 3: Support to Project Implementation and Management (SuPrim)	Vertically and horizontally integrated project management system fully operational; M&E and knowledge management system supported by digital, multi-level MIS system fully operational; and Publicly accessible web-based digital platforms (“Geo-Stories,” citizen feedback loop, etc. ) fully operational and linked to existing systems

Component 3

Component 1

Component 2

Component 3

The last component is the Project Support to Management, Coordination, Implementation and Monitoring & Evaluation (SuPrIM).

This Component will provide the organizational means to achieve targets under Outputs 1 and 2, as well as at the Purpose-Outcome level; with the major activities as you see on the screen (you may read).

The BFAR NPMO M&E Unit will track and report quarterly on progress on all output indicators, in collaboration with regional and local project operating units that will be providing the required data.

The process of data generation and updating will be bottom-up, starting from the FMA/ LGU level, then upwards to the Regional Project Management Office (RPMO), and finally to the NPMO for integrative analysis and presentation.

The bottom-up process of data generation will be complemented by a top-down feedback process of direction setting from the Project Steering Committee and NPMO.

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Implementation Arrangements

Department of Agriculture (DA)

NATIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE
DENR, DAR, DILG

BFAR

NATIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE (NPMO)

Regional Project
Implementing Unit (RPIU)
(RFO 3: FMA 6/ RFO 10: FMA 9)
(Lead FMA)

Participating RFO FMA 6
(RFOs 1, 3, CAR, 4A, 4B, NCR)

LGUs
(13 Provinces)

Participating RFO FMA 9
(RFOs 7, 8, 9, 10, 13)

LGUs
(11 Provinces)

Implementation Partners

NFRDI, PFDA, LGUs

Implementing Agency

Oversight Agencies

NEDA, DOF, DBM, CCC

Cooperating Agencies

DA,-DAR-DENR-DILG (NCI), DOST, DTI, NCIP, DICT, DOLE, CDA, TESDA, SUCs

Secretariat

NPMO

Executing Agency

Private sector, fisherfolks, fisherfolk groups

BUREAU OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES (BFAR)

In a nutshell, FishCoRe’s organizational framework/construct consists of the National Steering Committee (NSC), National Project Management Office (NPMO) and the Regional Project Implementation Unit (RPIU).

The National Steering Committee, based in the DA Central Office, provides the high-level project guidance (led by the Secretary of DA as Chair of the NSC), and joined by representatives of oversight agencies (NEDA, DBM, DOF, CCC), and key national agencies with complementary roles in fisheries management and institutional development (DENR, DAR, DOST, DILG, DTI). The Chairs of FMA-6 and FMA-9 sit in the NSC to represent the two project sites. At the discretion of the NSC, it may invite additional members to represent fisheries sectors coming from the NFARMC. Representatives of the Leagues of Provinces, Cities and Municipalities may also be invited as members. The World Bank is represented in the NSC as funding partner. The NPMO will also serve as the NSC secretariat.

The National Project Management Office is the seat of project administration based in BFAR Central Office, since BFAR is the lead implementing agency. There is no existing body or unit in BFAR that can serve as the NPMO. The range and number of functions and activities also require a dedicated office during the project lifetime.

All other project units and functions are embedded in existing BFAR, NFRDI, PFDA organic units, and served by designated regular personnel. This includes the Project Director (BFAR National Director), National Project Manager (designated BFAR Assistant Director), Project Component Coordinators for FishCRRM (CFD Chief) and MARLIN (specially designated individual with inter-disciplinary experience), FMA Project Implementation Unit heads (FMA-6 and FMA-9 Lead RFO Regional Directors), and so on. Please see the Organizational Structure diagrams and Table of Project Roles and Functions below for details.

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