By Kenneth Marcos 
Early morning in Quezon City, over 200 men and women from different coastal provinces gathered not at the shore — but in a training hall — united by one goal: to help protect the country’s fisheries by gathering the right data from the ground up.
To strengthen their skills and improve data accuracy in the field, enumerators of the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project recently completed a national hands-on training and simulation activity on Boats and Gears Inventory (BGI).
Held in Quezon City, the training aimed to ensure that field workers know how to properly collect information about fishing boats and gear being used in communities. This data is crucial for crafting better fisheries policies and helping fishing communities become more resilient.
Stronger Data, Smarter Solutions
The training focused on practical, on-the-ground techniques. Enumerators learned how to identify different types of boats and fishing gear, how to record information accurately, and how to use digital tools and checklists for field validation.
Simulations were also held to mimic real-world scenarios in coastal barangays — from interviewing fishers to verifying boat registrations.
The goal of the FishCoRe Project is to support coastal communities and make Philippine fisheries more sustainable amid growing environmental challenges and threats such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change.
By improving how data is gathered, the government hopes to get a clearer picture of what’s happening in fishing communities, especially in remote or underserved areas.
Why Inventory Matters
The Boats and Gears Inventory is more than just counting boats. It helps determine how many fishers are active in each area, what types of gear they use, and how much pressure local waters are under.
This information guides the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and local government units in planning programs, managing marine resources, and providing support to fisherfolk — such as livelihood aid, training, or disaster relief.
FishCoRe’s efforts also align with the goals of Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas, aiming to uplift rural communities through stronger data, smarter programs, and sustainable development.
Fisherfolk at the Center
The role of enumerators is vital. They are the ones on the ground, talking to fishers, observing daily practices, and ensuring that every boat and gear is counted and recorded. This training ensures they have the right tools and knowledge to do their job well.
More training sessions are expected to roll out in other regions as FishCoRe continues its mission to build a more resilient and inclusive fisheries sector nationwide.
Through accurate information and community engagement, the government hopes to support millions of Filipino fisherfolk who depend on the sea for their livelihood — ensuring that future generations can continue to fish in clean, abundant waters.
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