By Kenneth Marcos 
In a bid to support small fisheries and coastal enterprises, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) led a cluster orientation to harmonize the review of FishCoRe grant proposals in Zamboanga del Norte, Region IX (FMA 9) from March 9–13, 2026.
The event gathered representatives from the National Project Management Office (NPMO), Regional Project Implementation Units (RPIUs), and Fisheries and Coastal Units (FCUs) across FMA 9. Participants discussed ways to standardize the evaluation and approval of enterprise sub-project proposals, ensuring fairness, transparency, and efficiency for all applicants.
This initiative is part of the FishCoRe Matching Grants Program – Window 2 (Enterprise), implemented under the MARLIN Sub-Component 2.2 on Enterprise Development, led by Ms. Amor G. Diaz. Representatives from FCUs 7, 8, 9, 10, and 13, along with RPIU 9 and NPMO staff, collaborated to strengthen coordination and improve grant processes across the region.
By aligning procedures, BFAR aims to make enterprise development support more accessible to coastal communities, helping local fisherfolk grow their businesses, improve livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable fisheries management. The activity also emphasized capacity building and knowledge sharing among the different units, ensuring consistent implementation of development programs.
With these efforts, BFAR continues to promote transparency, efficiency, and community empowerment in fisheries enterprise development across Region IX.
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