MAFAR-Sulu Holds Fishery Resources Awareness Campaign During FishCon Week
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (Mafar) – Sulu conducted a fishery resources awareness campaign in Jolo, targeting the Sama-Bajau community as part of the province’s observance of FishCon Week. The event took place during the third week of September, a period when the country pauses to reflect on the management and protection of aquatic resources that support local livelihoods and national food security.
Purpose and Audience
The campaign, held on Wednesday, September 24, focused on promoting sustainable and legal fishing practices among the Sama-Bajau, a coastal community whose livelihoods are intimately tied to the sea. Officials explained that directing outreach to this group is essential because many of them rely on fishing as their primary source of income and food, making responsible practices critical for long-term resource availability.
Key Messages on Sustainability and Law
Fardia Abduhasad, officer-in-charge of Mafar-Sulu’s fisheries division, stated that the choice of the Sama-Bajau community reflects the need to guide fishermen toward sustainable and legal fishing practices. The aim is to provide practical information and tools that enable fishers to harvest resources without compromising reef systems, fry stocks, or future catches. The initiative emphasizes compliance with existing regulations, proper gear use, bycatch minimization, and the importance of protecting breeding habitats as part of a broader conservation strategy.
Week of Action: FishCon Week
Mafar-Sulu opened its 6th FishCon Week celebration on Monday, September 22, signaling a sustained commitment to fisheries conservation across the archipelago. Observed nationwide every third week of September, FishCon Week highlights the critical role of conserving fish and aquatic resources for both local communities and the global environment. This year’s activities in Sulu align with national goals to strengthen enforcement, raise public awareness, and foster community partnerships in sustainable fisheries management.
Officials’ Remarks and Emphasis on Frontline Roles
During the kick-off program at the Sulu Fisheries Division office, Mafar-Sulu Director Alfie Iribani commended the efforts of personnel involved in the campaign, underscoring that dedication and teamwork are vital for successful fisheries conservation initiatives. Sulirma Sabtula, officer-in-charge of the Fisheries Resource Management Section, underscored that fish conservation is key to national food security and global marine resource protection. She highlighted the crucial role of frontliners in law enforcement and active community engagement as the backbone of effective resource stewardship.
Why This Matters for Sulu and Beyond
Protecting fishery resources is not only about preserving biodiversity; it is also about ensuring a steady supply of seafood for local families and maintaining the livelihoods of communities that depend on the sea. By engaging the Sama-Bajau and other stakeholders, Mafar-Sulu aims to reduce illegal fishing practices, promote transparent reporting, and strengthen compliance with fisheries regulations. The campaign aligns with broader national and regional efforts to balance economic needs with ecological resilience, supporting both food security and sustainable development in the Philippines’ maritime regions.
What Comes Next
As FishCon Week continues, Mafar-Sulu plans to expand outreach to more communities, integrate feedback from fishers, and reinforce collaborative approaches that pair enforcement with education. Future activities will likely include community-led demonstrations on sustainable gear, data collection to monitor stock health, and partnerships with local governments to ensure that conservation measures are practical and culturally appropriate for the Sama-Bajau and neighboring communities.
