Highlights from the First Philippines Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS1)

Small-scale Fisheries in the Philippines are Too Big to Ignore

By Alice Joan G. Ferrer and Pearl Santacera

TBTI Philippines

The First Philippines Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS1) was held on the 16-18 of October, 2024, at the University of the Philippines Visayas Iloilo City Campus with the theme, “Small-scale Fisheries in the Philippines are Too Big to Ignore”. The symposium was the first of its kind in the country that was highly focused on small-scale fisheries. The three-day symposium gathered various stakeholders in the fisheries sector, including fishers, fisheries managers, scientists, researchers, representatives of Local Government Units (LGU), policymakers, students, civic organizations, non-government organizations, development partners, advocacy groups, practitioners, and artists. The aim is to give attention to small-scale fisheries in the Philippines and let stakeholders contribute to creating ways to make small-scale fisheries sustainable and viable.

The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), as the founder and base of The National Consortium for the Small-Scale Fisheries Research and Development, aka Too Big To Ignore (TBTI) Philippines organized the symposium with Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU), Central Philippines State University (CPSU), Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), State University of Northern Negros (SUNN), and University of Antique (UA). This is the first time such partnership and collaboration has happened between UPV and SUCs in the region.

 

PSSFNS1 had over 600 participants. The symposium featured a keynote lecture, six plenary sessions, and parallel sessions on eight various small-scale fisheries (SSF) themes: 1. Inland and marine SSF; 2. SSF management and governance; 3. Economics of SSF; 4. Socio-cultural aspects of SSF; 5. Climate change and resilience of SSF; 6. Gender in SSF; 7. Technological and innovations in SSF; and 8) Arts and SSF. Concurrent scientific and artistic sessions provided platforms for individual presentations (oral and poster). The symposium also hosted seven student competitions encouraging young researchers to present their work through oral and poster presentations, fishing for solutions, and vlog competitions. There were special sessions from partners of TBTI Philippines on SSF-related themes. The printed copy of the TBTI Philippines book, ‘Portrait of Small-Scale Fishers in the Philippines’, was launched and the Philippines National Plan of Action (NPOA) for the SSF Guidelines was also presented.

Day 1: October 16

The first day kicked off with an opening ceremony with UPV Chancellor Clement C. Camposano welcoming the participants of the symposium.

The participants were introduced by stakeholder groups. The presidents/chancellors of the higher education institutions which  are members of TBTI Philippines were introduced as they waved the flags bearing the logo of their university as a symbol of their commitment to TBTI Philippines and its mission.

The keynote message was delivered by Mr. Roberto ‘Ka Dodoy’ Ballon, a small-scale fisher, community organizer and awardee of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2021. In his message, he expressed his vision for a rich and sustainable fisheries sector, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and partnership among stakeholders to attain this.

“Kung tayo ay magsasama-sama at magtutulungan, ang nakikita ko ay isang palaisdaan na mayaman at pinagmumulan ng mga produktong pangisdaan hindi lamang para sa Pilipinas, kundi sa Asya, at sa buong mundo. Nakikita ko ang mga pamilyang mangingisda na kayang pag-aralin ang kanilang mga anak, kumain ng masustansyang pagkain, at kayang magpatingin sa isang doctorkapag may sakit.” Ka Dodoy added. 

(If we come together and collaborate, then I see a rich fishery and a source of fishery products for the Philippines, Asia, and the whole world. I see fishing families that can afford to send their children to school, eat nutritious food, and see a health care professional when sick...)”

A series of messages from Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III (Chairman, Commission on Higher Education, The Republic of the Philippines), Jose Fernando T. Alcantara (Executive Vice President, University of the Philippines) on behalf of Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez (President, University of the Philippines), Atty. Asis G. Perez (Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Regulation, Department of Agriculture, Republic of the Philippines), Dr. Angel Encarnacion (OIC-Assistant Director, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) on behalf of Mr. Isidro M. Velayo, Jr. (Officer-in-Charge, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources), and Dr. Derek S. Johnson (Professor from the University of Manitoba and representative of TBTI Global) were also delivered.

Afterwards, the symposium poster session (regular and competing), exhibit, and marketplace were officially opened.

The plenary panel sessions commenced after the opening ceremony with the first panel comprised of fisherfolks. This session was hosted by the University of Antique. The fisherfolks taking part in the panel included

  • Gavina Tumbaga, fisherfolk/fishworker Luzon in the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils
  • Leo Logronio, president of Fisherfolk Association in Carles, Iloilo
  • Fredel Mued local fish consolidator in Busuanga, Palawan
  • Nanette Cadutdut, fish processor, Bogtong Fish Processors Association (BFPA) in Busuanga, Palawan

The fisherfolk shared the importance of their sector (fisher, processor, trader/vendor), the plight of the fisherfolk they represent, and the ways by which they can be supported to promote their wellbeing.

The second plenary panel session comprised of fisheries managers. This session was hosted by the Northern Iloilo State University. The fisheries managers taking part in the panel included:

  • Angel Encarnacion, regional director of the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
  • Roy Ortega, officer-in-charge, Fisheries Resource Management Division of the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
  • Maricel Bechayda, local government operations officer VII & division chief, Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division of the Department of Interior and Local Government Region 6
  • Eugene Norman Severo, municipal mayor of Calabanga, Camarines Sur

The fisheries managers shared what their office/agency/local government unit have been doing for the small-scale fisheries in the Philippines, their main challenges as fisheries managers, and plans. Their vision of the future of Philippine fishery and the pathway to reach the vision was also discussed.

For the rest of the afternoon of the first day, the symposium participants attended the first set of parallel sessions. The parallel sessions include regular scientific (oral and poster) presentations, art presentations, and student competitions.

In the evening, everyone gathered in the plenary hall for the welcome dinner and socials hosted and sponsored by the University of the Philippines. The Presidents and Chancellors of the co-organizing state universities and colleges of TBTI Philippines delivered their messages.

Jose Fernando T. Alcantara (Executive Vice President, University of the Philippines) on behalf of Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez (President, University of the Philippines) lead the dinner toast.

The symposium partners (University of the Philippines and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources),  sponsors (USAID Fish Right Program [Platinum]), The Department of Ocean and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development [Diamond], and FAO Philippines [Silver]), and associates (National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Oceana Philippines, and Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VI), all of whom immensely contributed to the success of the first small-scale fisheries symposium in the country were also recognized.

 

The participants got to experience the culture of the Ilonggo through the series of cultural dances and performances.

One of the highlights of the evening was the introduction of the TBTI Philippines hand signs to the symposium participants who attended the welcome dinner wearing the symposium t-shirt.  The hand signs, which are signs for letters T, B, T,  I and ‘Philippines’ were demonstrated in other activities during the symposium.

Day 2: October 17

The second day of the symposium started with the third plenary session that included Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and development partners. This session was hosted  by the Central Philippines State University (CPSU). The NGOs and development partners taking part in the panel were:

 

  • Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president of Oceana Philippines
  • Nygiel Armada, chief of party of the USAID Fish Right Program
  • Dennis Calvan, senior manager for Policy and Government Engagement of Rare Philippines
  • Joann Binondo, overall program manager for Sustainable Fisheries Program of WWF Philippines

 

The panellists  shared what their organization is doing for the small-scale fisheries in the Philippines, including accomplishments, main challenges, and plans or recommendations. Their insights on what should be done to improve the sustainability and viability of small-scale fisheries in the country were also discussed.

The participants proceeded to attend the parallel sessions for the remainder of the morning.

Meanwhile, Oceana Philippines had their special session titled ‘Reducing Postharvest Fish Losses: Enhancing Food Security and Livelihoods in Coastal Communities’. The panel included:

 

  • Wilfredo Campos, retired Professor from the University of the Philippines Visayas
  • Ronelie Salvador, executive director of Center for Sustainable Aquaculture and Agri-based Innovations
  • Philip Martin Astorga, municipal mayor of Daram, Samar
  • Martha Cadano, representative of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council of Northern Samar
  • Roberto ‘Ka Dodoy’ Ballon, small-scale fisher and 2021 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee

 

The special session highlighted the successful empowerment initiatives that have promoted sustainable fisheries management led by small-scale fishers, with technical assistance from NGOs and academic institutions. The discussion focused on the integration of fisheries management into broader nutritional and food security programs, providing legal tools and lessons for participatory and sustainable management of municipal waters.

In the afternoon of Day 2, the printed copy of the book ‘Portrait of Small-Scale Fishers in the Philippines’ was launched during a plenary session. The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA) tasked to conduct research and development for fisheries, is the publisher and funded the publication of the book’s printed copy. The book is a collection of stories about small-scale fishers who make a living from fishing and fishing-related activities across the Philippines. The electronic copy of the book was published by TBTI Global in July 2023.

NFRDI Executive Director Dr. Lilian Garcia, emphasized in her message the need for collective action to improve the livelihoods of SSF and the sustainability of fishery resources.

After the book launching was the joint plenary session of the Food and Agriculture Organization and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, where they shared the  National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA SSF) development process. This is also to commemorate the 10th Year Anniversary of the SSF Guidelines.

 

Dr. Lionel Dabbadie, FAO Representative in the Philippines reiterated the development of the Philippines NPOA-SSF as an important milestone for the country — the very first in Asia.

Ruben Sanchez Daroqui, FAO Headquarters small-scale fisheries consultant, presented information on the process that led to the development of the SSF Guidelines, FAO’s line of action for supporting the implementation of the SSF Guidelines and key considerations to maximize the positive impact of an NPOA-SSF.

Mele Tauati, FAO Headquarters Fishery Officer, shared the project ‘Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for gender-equitable and climate-resilient food systems and livelihoods’ and how it supports country-level implementation for six countries including the Philippines.

In the panel discussion, the thematic areas of the NPOA-SSF were highlighted. The panelist representing the different thematic areas of the SSF Guidelines were:

 

  • Roy Ortega, from the Fisheries Resource Management Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Responsible governance of tenure and sustainable management)
  • Alice Joan Ferrer, from the University of the Philippines Visayas and TBTI Philippines (Social development, employment and decent work)
  • Rebecca Andong, from FAO Philippines (Value chains, post-harvest and trade)
  • Mildred Buazon, from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Gender equality)
  • Asuncion De Guzman, from the Mindanao State University Naawan Foundation (Climate change and disaster risk)

Day 3: October 18

The last day of the symposium started with fifth plenary session composed of scientists and researchers. This session was hosted by the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) and the State University of Northern Negros (SUNN). The scientists and researchers taking part in the panel were:

 

  • Wilfredo Campos, retired professor of the University of the Philippines Visayas
  • Asuncion De Guzman, independent researcher and consultant
  • Raul Bradecina, vice president for Research, Extension and Knowledge Management, Partido State University
  • Jose Ingles, advisor of the Environmental Defense Fund in the Philippines

 

The scientists and researchers shared their research work on small-scale fisheries in the Philippines, main findings, and recommendations for promoting small-scale fisheries in the Philippines.

USAID Fish Right Program had their special session titled ‘Responsible Seafood Sourcing for Small Scale Fisheries – Stakeholder Panel Discussion’. The panelists were:

 

  • Nanette Cadutdut, president of Bogtong Fish Processors Association in Palawan
  • Fredel Mued, local fish consolidator in Busuanga, Palawan
  • Franchalie Laurio, project manager of Barangay Igbon Kasagan Association (BIGKAS)
  • Mark Armand Sazon, CEO and founder of Tindagat
  • Analissa Jardin, CFO and Partner of Agro-DigitalPH

 

The special session set the stage for key players along the supply and market chain to share their perspectives on responsible seafood sourcing and understand how the initiative can be further strengthened and scaled up to engage and potentially benefit more small-scale fishers in the country.

The last plenary session facilitated the synthesis of the thematic sessions in the parallel sessions (oral and poster). Key information about each symposium theme was presented by the session chairs:

 

  • Eric Zeus Rizo, member of the Inland and Marine SSF
  • Farisal Bagsit, chair of the SSF Management and Governance
  • Gay Defiesta, chair of the Economics of SSF
  • Prof. Frances Anthea Redison, chair of the Socio-cultural Aspects of SSF
  • Hanny John Mediodia, chair of the Climate Change and Resilience of SSF
  • Harold Monteclaro, chair of the Gender in SSF
  • Joemel Sumbing, chair of the Technology and Innovation in SSF
  • Prof. Katherine Valencia, chair of the Arts and SSF
  • Kingsley John De los Santos, member of the Poster Management Committee

 

Each presentation summarized the main takeaways and lessons from the session.

During the closing ceremony, a keynote message was delivered by the Undersecretary for Fisheries of the Department of Agriculture, Drusila Esther Bayate. She expressed that the department through BFAR is steadfast in its commitment to harnessing the potential of the sector to its full development at the sustainable level. Undersecretary Bayate also encouraged everyone to transform all the information gained and the connections forged during the symposium into meaningful actions.

The awarding of winners of the various student competitions was also part of the closing ceremony. The chairs of the student competitions Asst. Prof. Steve Janagap (Overall Chair, Competition Committee, PSSFNS1), Dr. Mark Calabon (Oral Speed Presentation), Dr. Eric Zeus Rizo (Poster Competition), Asst. Prof. Lhumen Tejano (Fishing for Solution), and Mr. Jose Ruel Garcia (Vlogs for small-scale fisheries) announced the following winners:

  • Oral Speed Competition

Best Student Oral Presenter for Undergraduate Category:

Mangingisda, Saan Ka Patungo: The Fishers of Cabanbanan, Oton —- Hazel Anne Labos, Rocela Erika, Lacson, Mark Christian Orotea, and Rodelio Subade

Adaptable Drying Technologies for Producing Natural Antioxidants from Chlorella sorokiniana for Small-Scale Fisheries —- Hanniel Frenz D. Degala, Aysn Jan Nique, Leonilo F. Endoma, Jr., and Jade G. Pahila

Examining the Perceptions of the Community Members of Brgy. Barra, Roxas City on the Proposed Demolition of Illegal Mariculture Structures —-Lorraine Zeta M. Diaz and Liberty N. Espectato

  • Best Student Oral Presenter for Graduate Category:

     

    Development of Seaweed-Based Bioplastic: A Sustainable Packaging Solution for Enhancing Small-Scale Fisheries in the Philippines —- Jhoanna Faye P. Jacinto, Encarnacion Emilia S. Yap, Lhumen A. Tejano, Leonilo F.Endoma, Jr.

     

    Characterization of the R-Phycoerythrin Content and Antioxidant Activity of Pyropia acanthophora Using Simple Extraction and Quantification Methods —- Adrianne Fritz D. Parra and Leonilo F. Endoma Jr.

     

    Chaetognath Size Distribution and Gut Content Analysis In Verde Island Passage, Philippines —- Graziele Ann S. Taclas and Wilfredo L. Campos

    • Poster Competition

    Best Student Poster Presenters for Undergraduate Category

     

    Saving Abe Sapien: An Analysis of the Identity and Prevalence of Gill Ectoparasites of Nemipterus Spp. from Carles, Iloilo and Roxas City, Capiz —- Cid Jeriko S. Dadibalos, Jemuel C. Fernandez and Sanny David P.Lumayno

     

    Autumnal Zooplankton Diversity and Community Variation in the KTV1 Transect Along the Kuroshio Current, Eastern Taiwan —- Megan G. Juliano and Cristy S. Acabado

     

    Assessing Access, Control, and Decision-Making Over Resources of Men and Women in Small-Scale Fishing Households in Miagao, Iloilo —- Gebiemar P. Maghupoy, Cannee Jane S. Sonido, and Alice Joan G. Ferrer

    • Merit Award of Poster Presenters for Graduate Category:

       

      Population Dynamics of the Yellow-Striped Scad (Selaroides leptolepis Cuvier 1833) in the Western Visayan Sea —- Karen A. Villarta-Lane, Jeric Prince M. Ladores, Alexanra B. Regalado and Wilfredo L. Campos

       

      Isopod Infestation in Blue Swimming Crabs (Portunus pelagicus Linnaeus, 1758): An Underreported Threat in Crab Fisheries —- Sharmen C. Berlin, Hussien-Ali M. Limbona, and Vachel Gay V. Paller

       

      Picophytoplankton Community Structure and Responses to Physicochemical Variations in the Back-Barrier Zone of Batan Bay Estuary, Philippines — Elize Margareth C. Sibulan and Cristy S. Acabado

  • Fishing for Solution:

     

1st place

One Way Ticket to the Blues: (A Better Fish Landing Port Utilization and Data Management System) —- Nesty Jigs Millares, Isaiah Niccol Abasolo, Jovy Fluer Elpos, Jude Andrei Ochenta, and Jhayvan Eve Quitoy

Sea-Lution: Sustainable Empowerment Through Archipelagic Seaweed and Locally-Sourced Bioplastics for Fisheries —- Jhoanna Faye P. Jacinto, Karie Mae D. Tolones, Raymund B. Parcon, Lhumen A. Tejano and Encarnacion Emilia S. Yap

2nd place

 

Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) Cultured in Cage in Bancal Bay, Carles, Iloilo, Philippines —- Marco Mahilum, Aimy Romualdez, Bryan Bonda, Japhet Salazar and Cheryl Jela

MAREMAR: Mangrove Action for Resilience and Marine Abundance Restoration —- Mae A. Nermal, Alyssa Kate V. Flor, Rogelen Kaye T. Cangayda, Paul John O. Delos Reyes and Kingsley John De los Santos

3rd place

Fishlog: A Logbook System for Sustainable and Data-Driven Fisheries Resource Management —- Michael Benjamin Ramirez, Altair Fedilo, Jem Celyne Ferrer, Rocela Erika Lacson, and Leah Escol

  • Vlogs for SSF:  Hope spots

1st place:

 

Totoo ang Sirena: A Documentary Vlog on the Life of a Gay Fisherman —- Agatha Audrey Bonifacio, Bryan Comia, and Ysabella T. Canus

2nd place:

 

“Kaya Pa Kayang Mamalakaya?” —- Jerremie R. Salazar

3rd place:


Panuba: The Untold Story of Traditional Fishing in the Iloilo River Estuary —- Precious Nikola Gaurana and Glenn Ivan Macitas

  • Bright Spots (Merit Award)

     

    Women in Small-Scale Fisheries are Becoming Visible and Counted in the Philippines! —- Jem Celyne D. Ferrer, Pearl Aljean S. Santacera, and Benedict Mark M. Carmelita

     

    Ligaya ng Legal —- Sarah Jane Pangilinan, Donna Eleponga, Gladys Cortes, and Hannah Mae Bayoneto

Dr. Clement Camposano, UPV Chancellor officially announced the turnover of PSSFNS to the next host institution —- the Mindanao State University (MSU) System.

In his acceptance speech, Atty. Basari Mapupuno, President of the MSU System, affirmed their commitment in ensuring that the next symposium in 2025 will be a platform where everyone can continue to work towards initiatives that protect and promote both the people and ecosystem that small-scale fisheries depend on.

“MSU shall endeavor to continue the progress that this symposium has begun so that collectively we will not only address and identify challenges but also celebrate the achievement of small-scale fisheries throughout the country”, President Mapupuno added.

To wrap up the symposium, Prof. Alice Joan Ferrer, vice chancellor for academic affairs of the University of the Philippines Visayas, the founding executive director of TBTI Philippines, and chair of the Steering Committee of PSSFNS1, thanked the symposium participants, the members of TBTI Philippines, partners and sponsors for their generous support, the various organizing committees for their hardwork to make the PSSFNS1 a success.

 

Dr. Ferrer ended her message by drawing the attention of everyone to the 2-minute video showcasing the ‘Wall of Life’. The video begins with an empty wall until the symposium participants select a marine life, write a message on it, and post it on the wall. According to her, the video demonstrated what all parties involved can accomplish for the nation’s small-scale fisheries when they pledge, take part, and work together to advance the sustainability and viability of the small-scale fisheries.

 

“Thanks to the efforts and dedication of the fishery users and consumers on land, the once-empty space is now teeming with life below water,” she said. “We are them. It is our collective duty to preserve the fisheries, the fishers, and ourselves. I’ll see you in the next PSSFNS.”