Campaign context and purpose
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (Mafar) – Sulu recently led a targeted fishery resources awareness campaign in Jolo, aimed at the Sama-Bajau community. Conducted on Wednesday, September 24, the outreach was part of the province’s observance of Fish Conservation (FishCon) Week. The initiative focused on promoting sustainable and legal fishing practices, recognizing that the Sama-Bajau people rely heavily on marine resources for their livelihoods.
According to Fardia Abduhasad, the officer-in-charge of Mafar-Sulu’s fisheries division, the activity sought to translate conservation concepts into practical steps for fishermen and their families. “We chose the Sama-Bajau because most are fishermen, and we want to guide them toward sustainable and legal fishing practices,” he said. This approach aligns with FishCon Week’s broader objective: to safeguard fish stocks while supporting communities that depend on them.
FishCon Week: a national focus on conservation and food security
Mafar-Sulu opened its 6th FishCon Week celebration on Monday, September 22, underscoring the national effort observed every third week of September. FishCon Week highlights the importance of conserving fish and other aquatic resources for present and future generations. Within this framework, Mafar-Sulu’s local campaign in Jolo demonstrated how provincial activities fit into a larger, nationwide project to protect fisheries and bolster food security.
Leadership remarks and emphasis on frontline roles
During the kick-off program at the Sulu Fisheries Division office, Mafar-Sulu Director Alfie Iribani commended the agency’s personnel, stressing that their dedication is vital to successful fisheries conservation initiatives. His remarks reflected a shared sense of responsibility among frontline workers who translate policy into on-the-ground action, from community meetings to enforcement and monitoring efforts.
Community engagement and conservation messaging
Sulirma Sabtula, the officer-in-charge of the Fisheries Resource Management Section, highlighted the critical role of fish conservation in national food security and global marine resource protection. She pointed out that frontliners are essential not only for enforcing laws but also for meaningful engagement with communities, ensuring that conservation messages are understood and adopted at the local level. The campaign therefore combined information sharing with practical guidance on gear, seasons, and responsible harvest practices tailored for the Sama-Bajau.
Why sustainable and legal fishing matters
Conserving fishery resources is more than an environmental objective; it is a pathway to resilient livelihoods for coastal communities. By promoting legal fishing practices, the campaign seeks to reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, support fair access to coastal resources, and maintain healthy ecosystems that sustain local diets and incomes. For the Sama-Bajau, whose sea-based livelihoods are deeply intertwined with daily life, practical education on sustainable methods can help secure a reliable future for families and communities.
Looking ahead: continued outreach and collaboration
Officials and community leaders alike emphasized that the campaign is part of an ongoing process. Mafar-Sulu plans continued outreach activities, training sessions, and collaboration with local stakeholders to reinforce lawful, sustainable fishing. By combining education with enforcement and community participation, the agency aims to cultivate responsible fishing habits that endure beyond FishCon Week and contribute to national food security.
Conclusion
The Sama-Bajau outreach in Jolo exemplifies how provincial efforts align with national conservation goals. Through targeted messaging during FishCon Week, Mafar-Sulu reinforces the link between sustainable fishing practices and resilient livelihoods, inviting communities to be active partners in protecting fishery resources for today and tomorrow.
