Thursday, May 17, 2007 ADB lauds fisheries project in N. Mindanao
THE Asian Development Bank Mission recently voiced its commendation over the implementation of the Fisheries and Resource Management Project (FRMP) in the Gingoog and Panguil Bays in Northern Mindanao.
The ADB mission visited Gingoog and Panguil Bays in Northern Mindanao to assess the FRMP project implemented by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The evaluation is part of the project completion report much as FRMP ended in 2006.
The team was composed of Nasimul Islam together with Nida Calma and Dr. Corazon Aragon of ADB and Jessica Muñoz, the FRMP Project Director.
The Gingoog Bay areas are Balingoan, Talisayan, Medina, Gingoog City and Magsaysay, while Panguil Bay areas include Bonifacio, Ozamiz and Tangub cities.
Livelihood projects like seaweed production, bangus culture in cage and seaweed nursery/production, seaweed and stilt driers were among the projects implemented in these areas.
Project sustainability and profitability were among the focus of the mission, including the efficiency of the coordination between the BFAR and the LGUs.
The BFAR said the team was impressed on how the Gingoog Bay Alliance headed by Mayor Ruth Guingona of Gingoog City was institutionalized. Islam noted that their concepts are worthy to be replicated.
Further, he said that the strengths and expertise of each municipality possibly accounted for the success of the project.
The different classes of municipalities with different resources, leadership and background had their own stand and strategies for development.
Stressing on the efforts made by the people, BFAR Regional Director Arlene B. Pantanosas expressed her hopes to see the development efforts sustained for the next generation.
The tireless efforts of the men and women who worked for the project were remarkable.
Dr. Aragon emphasized that the success of their endeavor does not only focus on political will but also on the cooperation and participation of the fisher folk. Afterall, it's the community that will reap the success as Muñoz, the FRMP Director, pointed out.
As a whole, Islam noted the BFAR implementation of the project which he said should be replicated in other regions.
