January, 23 2025

The Mindoro Strait Sustainable and Equitable Tuna for Bankability (MS-SETB), locally known as Project Buhay, is the latest iteration of WWF-Philippines’ Sustainable Tuna Program, an initiative dedicated to advancing sustainable fishing practices across the Mindoro Strait and Lagonoy Gulf, with the primary aim of foregrounding fishers’ rights and agency. As Project Buhay nears the end of its implementation period, the three-day refresher seminar serves to reiterate the importance of livelihood-vital knowledge such as safe food handling, financial independence, disaster preparedness, and identifying sources for alternative income. 

Project Buhay manager Melody Melo-Rijk emphasized the critical role of fisherfolk and food processors as food handlers, stating: “Their job entails the safe handling of their catch, ensuring that the seafood we consume is safe and up to standard.” She highlights the need for proper preservation techniques and a thorough understanding of the biological, physical, and chemical factors that influence food safety. Melo-Rijk also warns about the risks mishandled food poses to consumers. “Our coastal communities are at the frontlines of safe seafood handling," she adds. "What they do affects not only the people who consume seafood but also their own families and communities.”

In addition, proper handling of caught fish leads to higher quality seafood products, fulfilling not only local and regional requirements, but allow fishers to meet international export standards. Seafood products such as the Ligaya Flying Fish Lamayo and the Likás Mindoro Bottled Squid, both made by independent fisherfolk groups in Sablayan, are just some of the initiatives to have benefited from safe food handling training.

Helping communities 

Project Buhay Community Enterprise Specialist Severino Salva pushed for greater financial literacy among community members. “Everything starts with savings,” states Salva. “Savings allow us to take full advantage of opportunities in life.” One of Project Buhay’s aims involves advocating for greater financial literacy among coastal communities. Equipping fisherfolk with greater financial knowledge puts them on the right track toward full financial independence. By addressing these gaps, Salva continues, fisherfolk are prepared to recognize investment opportunities and minimize financial hurdles.   

“We should always be cognizant of our savings. What money comes in, we should try to save as much as possible and invest in other sources of income,” says Salva. “Fishing tuna, for example, is heavily dependent on the weather, fish stocks, and other unpredictable factors. What then if there’s no catch?” Mindoro Strait is known for its high rate of marine biodiversity, with plenty of yellowfin tuna and other valuable fish products. However, climate change and financial burdens prevent fishers from maximizing this potential. 

A lack of both infrastructure and political involvement also serves to marginalize fishers who depend on the bounty of the Mindoro Strait. The Sustainable Tuna Program aims to alleviate both issues, with investments in infrastructure expected to arrive before Project Buhay’s end. Active coordination with both local government units and Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (MFARMCs) serves to bridge the disconnect between fishers and fisheries policy. Mediation between various fisherfolk groups, access to markets and platforms, as well as technical assistance also helps to empower fishers and open up the fisheries sector in Mindoro. 

To support the push for financial freedom, Project Buhay assists in piloting several alternative sources of livelihood, such as the aforementioned bottled squid and marinated flying fish products. Such products were first properly introduced during the 2024 SeaTrace Sustainability Event, an annual capstone event hosted by SeaTrace International, involving some of the biggest names in the Philippine hospitality sector. Currently, Project Buhay is working towards developing additional livelihood products, in close cooperation with fisherfolk groups, as well as local and national government agencies.

Community-led Development 

In addition, disaster preparedness is also a vital area to address. Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Redentor Matibag emphasizes the importance of readiness in facing natural hazards: “Preparing ourselves for potential disasters that may be caused by natural or human-induced hazards is paramount,” Matibag explains. “Knowing how to properly respond to specific risks helps us minimize danger and maximize survival and safety.” 

Disaster preparedness is critical for communities along the Mindoro Strait, who face daily challenges such as unpredictable weather and the various risks inherent in fishing activity. Recent oil spills along Mindoro’s coasts and worsening weather patterns brought upon by climate change also serve to illustrate the wide-ranging negative impact of disasters, emphasizing the need to be ready for the negative effects such occurrences may have on both their livelihoods and communities. 

Ensuring long-term impact and sustained positive change is essential for the sustainable development of coastal communities in Occidental Mindoro. As Project Buhay prepares to conclude its mission in Mindoro by June 2025, initiatives like the three-day seminar provide a platform for fisherfolk groups to collaborate and engage in meaningful dialogue. These platforms not only strengthen community involvement but also promote the adoption of modern food handling standards, which can open new economic and social opportunities. By embracing safe food practices and applying financial knowledge, fisherfolk can enhance their livelihoods and lay the groundwork for lasting and resilient progress.

The seminar was attended by various community groups from Paluan Municipality’s remote Calavite Point and Kalangigan communities, alongside groups from Sablayan, Mamburao, and Rizal.  Another group,  from the municipality of Calintaan, were also present at the seminar.