BACOLOD City – More than 6,000 fisherfolk and aquaculture producers in Sagay City, Negros Occidental are expected to benefit from a climate-smart aquaculture initiative after the city was selected as one of the pilot sites for a technology-driven project aimed at strengthening resilience against extreme weather events and climate-related risks.
The Technology-Integrated Information for Aquaculture Data and Disaster Alerts (TIN-AD) Project was presented during a stakeholder consultation held at Balay Kauswagan on June 4 by representatives of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office–British Embassy Manila (FCDO-BEM), FutureFish, E-Primate, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources–Negros Island Region (BFAR-NIR).
The project seeks to help coastal communities adapt to the growing challenges posed by climate change through the establishment of a climate-responsive, digitally enabled decision-support system for fisherfolk and aquaculture operators.
Under the initiative, users will have access to timely weather forecasts, aquaculture management recommendations, and disaster-risk advisories through satellite monitoring technology, an aquaculture guidance chatbot, and a weather alert system accessible via an online dashboard and Facebook Messenger.
According to a statement from the Sagay City Public Information Office (PIO), project partners selected Sagay as a pilot site because of its robust aquaculture industry, extensive fishpond and fish cage operations, active fisherfolk organizations, strong local government support, and vulnerability to climate-related hazards that threaten coastal livelihoods.
Representing Mayor Leo Rafael M. Cueva during the consultation, Councilor Exequiel Marañon welcomed the initiative, saying it would significantly enhance the preparedness of coastal communities.
“With six coastal barangays and around 6,000 fisherfolk, this initiative has the potential to help our communities better prepare for weather disturbances and safeguard their livelihoods,” Marañon said.
Councilor Sherwin Sy, representing Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr., also expressed gratitude to FutureFish and its partner organizations for selecting Sagay as one of the project’s pilot areas.
Mayor Cueva underscored the importance of climate adaptation measures for communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on fisheries and aquaculture.
“Our fisherfolk are among the first sectors to feel the impact of changing weather patterns and climate-related events. Access to timely information and science-based advisories can help them make informed decisions, reduce risks, and protect their sources of income,” Cueva said.
He added that the initiative demonstrates how innovation and technology can be harnessed to support traditional industries while helping communities adapt to emerging environmental challenges.
The consultation, facilitated by the City Agriculture Office under City Agriculturist Julie Delima, gathered representatives from fisherfolk organizations, government agencies, and project partners to discuss the implementation of the pilot project in the city.
Officials said the TIN-AD Project is expected to strengthen climate resilience, improve disaster preparedness, and promote sustainable aquaculture practices that will help secure food production and protect coastal livelihoods in the long term.
As one of the project’s pilot sites, Sagay is poised to become a model for how digital technology and science-based solutions can empower fishing communities to navigate the increasing impacts of climate change while sustaining growth in the fisheries sector./PN
