NFRDI holds climate risk studies in Ilocos to boost fisheries resilience
The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) conducted a series of focus group discussions (FGDs) and cost-benefit analysis (CBA) surveys across parts of the Ilocos Region in March 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen climate resilience in the fisheries sector.
The activities, led by the institute’s Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) team, were carried out in Magsingal, Currimao, and Pasuquin from March 3–6 and March 23–27.
In her opening remarks, NFRDI representative Maria Theresa Mutia emphasized that the CRVA initiative aims to produce science-based insights that will help fisherfolk adapt to climate change, strengthen resilience, and secure sustainable livelihoods.
During the FGDs, participants identified priority commodities for aquaculture and capture fisheries in the three municipalities. Milkfish and tilapia consistently emerged as key aquaculture species, alongside locally important commodities such as rabbitfish, whiteleg shrimp, and oysters.
For capture fisheries, commonly identified species included tuna, scad, and rabbitfish. Additional species highlighted varied by location, reflecting local fishing practices and resource availability.
Stakeholders also assessed the sensitivity and adaptive capacity of fisheries resources and communities. These discussions were combined with hazard data from various sources to map vulnerabilities and guide the identification of priority climate adaptation measures.
Following the discussions, CBA surveys were conducted through interviews with fisherfolk in coastal barangays. These surveys aim to evaluate the costs and benefits of proposed interventions, ensuring that future policies and programs are both effective and evidence-based.
Members of the CRVA team, including Vanessa Mae Escaño, Emmanuel Sanchez, Rod Kyle Raro, and Janabless Tejada, presented the framework, data collection methods, and initial mapping outputs, highlighting the importance of stakeholder participation in ensuring reliable results.
The consultations brought together representatives from local government units, fisheries offices, disaster risk agencies, academic institutions, and fisherfolk groups, ensuring a collaborative and inclusive approach to data gathering and planning.
The CRVA initiative is part of the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FISHCORE) Project under the Department of Agriculture. The program seeks to enhance climate resilience in fisheries by identifying and prioritizing interventions for key commodities using scientific data and stakeholder inputs, particularly in Fisheries Management Areas 6 and 9.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR
