The Mangrebay Project headed by McKeough Marine Center has finally completed its remaining training workshop activities. The one last remaining major training was done last January, 2022 and the remaining mini-training activities were done in two coastal municipalities namely in Jasaan and Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. A total of five major training workshops were conducted and mini-training workshops were completed in 14 coastal municipalities of Macajalar Bay.

On January 24-25, 2022 in the last quarter of the project, the last major training workshop was conducted in XU Marine Station in Brgy. Solana in Jasaan. A total of 28 PO representatives from 14 coastal municipalities were capacitated on the economic and livelihood opportunities of mangroves. The training workshop was given by Mr Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon, Chairman of Kapunongan sa Gagmay’ng Mangingisda sa Concepcion (KGMC) in Zamboanga Sibugay. In the training workshop, Ka Dodoy highlighted the key concepts of community-based leadership training, as well as the livelihood and enterprise programs they have initiated in their community. His journey to becoming one of the most successful fisherfolk in the country has definitely inspired our local partner communities to persevere and lead their own communities.

In the same quarter, two municipalities were visited to conduct mini-training workshops to more members of the organizations. On March 18, 2022, Jasaan-LGU hosted the mini-training activity which was participated by at least 25 PO members. The activity was held inside a council hall in the municipal building of Jasaan. The following week, on March 21, 2022, the fisherfolk organization in Brgy. Baluarte in Tagoloan hosted the team during the mini-training workshop. The activity was attended by at least 20 members of the fisherfolk organization. During the sessions, the participants were taught the characteristics, importance and the different species of mangroves. Its proper zonation in our coasts was also highlighted. Lastly, the participants were taught on the key important things they can do as a community or organization  to help preserve, rehabilitate and protect the mangroves in their respective areas.

The role of these local communities in rehabilitation initiatives is very important. Educating them is one of the key steps in achieving the common goal of building resilient communities. In fact these people serve as front liners: they live and thrive in our coastal areas. Capacitating and empowering them would definitely make the stewardship of our coastal ecosystems more efficient and sustainable.

PO representatives during the mini-training in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

PO representatives during the mini-training in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental.

Representative from El Salvador sharing his thoughts during the last major training held in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental