By Jesslyn Keith Valite

To drive sustainable fisheries in Ilocos Norte, MMSU partnered with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Impl. Project Philippines Foundation Inc., Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) by signing a memorandum of agreement (MoA) today, October 10 at the Pasuquin Fish Farm. 

The project, funded by USAID in partnership with the Gerry Roxas Foundation (GRF), is titled “Investing in Sustainability and Partnerships for Inclusive Growth and Regenerative Ecosystems (INSPIRE): Livelihood Initiatives for Promotion of Aquaculture and Development (LIPAD) for Ilocos Norte.” The INSPIRE project aims to develop sustainable livelihood initiatives for local fisherfolk through targeted interventions in the fisheries sector in Ilocos Norte and across five provinces and 15 municipalities nationwide.

During the event, USAID Philippines Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks stressed the project’s importance in supporting fisherfolk affected by climate change and environmental challenges. "This partnership will significantly help recover from these challenges," she said. She added that the project relies on the solid commitment of PGIN, MMSU, BFAR, and Impl. Project Philippines Foundation Inc.

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, a key figure in the project, affirmed his administration’s strong focus on supporting the fisheries and livestock sectors, reiterating the provincial government’s commitment to the province’s fisherfolks. His leadership signified the importance of the provincial government’s role in ensuring the success of initiatives like the USAID INSPIRE project. Governor Manotoc signed the agreement alongside MMSU Officer-in-Charge President Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, BFAR Region I Director Rosario Segundina Gaerlan, and Impl. Project Philippines Executive Director Julius Suarez.

The agreement outlines plans to establish sustainable seaweed and tilapia production in the coastal municipalities of Bangui, Burgos, Currimao, Pagudpud, and Pasuquin. The project aims to improve the livelihoods of communities reliant on marine resources by implementing strategic livelihood interventions and strengthening the local fisheries sector.

MMSU, through its College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology (CASAT), will lead in providing extension services, technology promotion, and livelihood opportunities. Dr. Franco stressed that this partnership represents a unified effort to ensure the sustainability of marine resources, aligned with the goals of USAID’s INSPIRE project. She pointed out the importance of collaboration in building resilience and securing the future of fisheries in the province.

Other key participants included Impl. Program Manager Nikki Bryce Roque, PGIN Agricultural Center Chief Rosanna Borja, Provincial Fisheries Officer Vanessa Abegail Dagdagan-Alimbuyuguen, SPM Member and Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Hon. Jonathan Torralba, OIC Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Ma. Theresa Bacnat, Pasuquin Mayor Hon. Robert Aguinaldo, Municipal Agriculturist Diana Rose Dencel-Bautista, INAFEC Director Atty. Pancho Jose, MMSU Extension Director Marilou Lucas, MMSU Research Director Dionisio Bucao, CASAT OIC Dean Ernesto Del Rosario Jr., Strategic Communication Director Herdy Yumul, USAID and GRF dignitaries, members of the Pragata Fisher Folk Association and Bakawan, and other government officials. 

Following the signing ceremony, USAID raised Php5 million ($89,500) in aquaculture equipment to the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte to support fisherfolk sustainably farming tilapia. The donation includes a generator, a 1,000-watt solar-powered outdoor light, a ring blower, an oxygen tank, a submersible pump, an aerator for a paddle wheel, a sewing machine for net production and repair, fish fingerlings, breeders, and feed. These resources will ensure a stable electricity supply, increase fish stock, and boost the farm's overall efficiency in tilapia production by 20%. 

Prof. Ernesto Del Rosario Jr., OIC Dean of CASAT, led a site tour, providing an overview of tilapia grow-out production methods in ponds, tanks, and cages. Hands-on training on these methods will also be offered by MMSU to local fisherfolk, along with other technologies to increase tilapia production.

The USAID-GRF INSPIRE project stands as a model of collaboration in resource management that emphasizes shared responsibility. This addresses environmental conservation and also supports local economies, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Ilocos Norte’s critical fisheries resources.