Fisherfolks from Alliance of Seven Municipalities (A7) of Eastern Samar wear smiles on their faces while receiving their prizes for exemplary performance in managing their respective Marine Protected Areas (MPA). This event took place during the Fisherfolks Day Celebration at Quinapondan, Eastern Samar.

Result of the assessment conducted prior to the celebration showed that out of the 7 associations, Maybay Fish Sanctuary of Guiuan, E. Samar was adjudged as the Most Outstanding MPA, while Bolusao Fisherfolks Multipurpose Association from Lawaan, E.Samar; San Antonio de Padua Farmers and Fisherfolks Associationfrom Quinapondan, E.Samar; Maliwaliw Multipurpose Association from Salcedo, E.Samar, and fisherfolkassociation from Mercedes, Eastern Samar were the runners-up, with the associations from Balangiga and Giporlos, E.Samar gaining consolation prizes.

“These recognitions highlight the performance of our different fisherfolk associations through their Marine Protected Area,” says Dr. Jenny Lyn R. Almeria, Deputy Project Director of the Philippine Rural Development Project  – Regional Project Coordination Office.

Prizes received were all in the form of technology demonstration. Ten thousand pesos (Php 10,000.00) worth of techno demo fund for seaweeds was awarded to the most outstanding. Each runners-up received five thousand pesos (Php 5,000.00) worth of fund for institutional activities. Two thousand pesos (Php 2,000.00) worth of fund were given for the consolation.

Out of the seven fisherfolks associations, five were deemed qualified to receive assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project- Global Environment Facility, namely, Maybay Fish Sanctuary from Guiuan, Bolusao Fisherfolks Multipurpose Association from Lawaan, San Antonio de Padua Farmers and Fisherfolks Association from Quinapondan, Maliwaliw Multipurpose Association from Salcedo and fisherfolk association from Mercedes. They will be given support depending on the size and extent of the Marine Protected Area.

“These are more on conservation and preservation of the coastal areas. Each of the five associations will receive more or less three million pesos worth of MPA assistance,” said Dr. Almeria.

In August, they received a positive response from the Province of Eastern Samar regarding the local government’s equity. “Finally, the assistance they have long been waiting is now coming to reality. The funds will be downloaded to these five municipalities.”

DPD Almeria added that two other municipalities still have the chance to avail of said assistance after going through assessments and other related processes. (Jennina June Leira Brosas, RPCO 8)