By Kenneth Marcos 
Along coastal villages, fishermen mend their nets while families wait for news of better days at sea. For many small fishing communities, support programs can mean stable income, safer work, and hope for the future. These stories now come together in the latest issue of KATIG, the official newsletter of the FishCoRe Project.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has released KATIG Volume 1, Issue No. 2, featuring the progress of the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project from July to December 2025. The semi-annual publication highlights how government support is reaching fisherfolk and coastal communities across project-covered regions.
According to BFAR, the newsletter documents key milestones of FishCoRe, including the awarding of livelihood subprojects to qualified beneficiaries. These subprojects are designed to help small-scale fishers and coastal families increase income, reduce vulnerability to climate risks, and improve long-term sustainability of marine resources.
FishCoRe is a national initiative that aims to strengthen fisheries management and build climate-resilient coastal communities. Many fishing areas in the Philippines are exposed to stronger typhoons, rising sea levels, and declining fish stocks. Through FishCoRe, the government provides livelihood assistance, training, and infrastructure support to help communities adapt to these challenges.
The new KATIG issue presents updates from various regions, showing how livelihood packages are being rolled out. These include support for fish processing, aquaculture activities, post-harvest facilities, and community-based enterprises. By diversifying income sources, fisherfolk are less dependent on daily catch and more prepared during closed seasons or bad weather.
BFAR officials said transparency and information sharing are important parts of the project. By publishing regular updates, the agency allows stakeholders, local governments, and beneficiaries to track progress and understand how public funds are being used.
The newsletter also reflects the role of local partnerships. Local government units, fisherfolk associations, and community leaders work closely with BFAR to identify beneficiaries and ensure that projects respond to actual needs on the ground. This coordination helps reduce delays and improves the impact of each subproject.
KATIG, which means “water” in Filipino, serves as the voice of the FishCoRe National Project Management Office. It shares stories from the field, project data, and lessons learned during implementation. BFAR said the publication aims to keep communities informed and engaged, while also encouraging accountability among implementing units.
The latest issue is available online through the official FishCoRe website, making it accessible to fisherfolk groups, development partners, and the general public. BFAR encouraged readers to review the newsletter to better understand how the project supports fisheries development and coastal resilience.
As fishing communities continue to face environmental and economic pressures, programs like FishCoRe play a crucial role in securing livelihoods and protecting marine resources. Through shared information and sustained support, the government hopes to build stronger, more resilient coastal communities for the years ahead.
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