ILOILO – In a bid to strengthen the swimming crab industry and uplift the livelihoods of coastal communities, the Barangay Igbon Kasagan Association (BIGKAS), a partner-beneficiary of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase 2 program, organized a site visit to assess the Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) Model Village in Concepcion town.
The activity brought together representatives from various national government agencies (NGAs), including the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), to explore possible areas of collaboration for the development of the BSC industry and sustainable support for coastal fisherfolk.
BIGKAS, a fishing community based in Barangay Igbon in Concepcion, northeastern Panay Island, relies heavily on crab fishing for livelihood. The association was chosen as a pilot area for BFAR’s BSC Adopt-a-Village Project, a key component of the Blue Swimming Crab National Management Plan (BSC-NMP).
The initiative aims to elevate the export rating of kasag (blue swimming crab) from its current “Avoid/Red” classification to at least “Good Alternative/Yellow” under the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program standards, according to BFAR Region 6.
During the site visit, the NGAs introduced various support services tailored to promote sustainability and capacity-building within the community.
The DOST Region 6 pledged assistance through equipment provision, training programs, technical consultancy, and scholarship opportunities.
Meanwhile, DOLE Region 6 presented youth employment initiatives, support for fresh graduates, and livelihood grants for individuals and community-based organizations.
In addition, TESDA highlighted vocational skills training in tailoring, dressmaking, and food processing through its accredited centers in Balasan, Iloilo.
These efforts aim to empower fisherfolk, promote responsible fishing practices, and enhance the community’s overall resilience and economic stability.
“We are very grateful to BFAR for helping us access additional support through other NGAs. Through these discussions, we were able to express the needs of our community. We hope this collaboration will succeed and contribute to the future of our group and barangay,” said BIGKAS Project Manager Franchalie Laurio.
The potential partnerships are expected to pave the way for more inclusive and sustainable coastal development in the region./PN
