BFAR NFarmc PMC

One of the milestone institutional provision of the Philippine Fiesheries Code or Republic Act No. 8550, being fully implemented by the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, is the creation of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMCs) .

FARMCs are organized at the Municipal/City, Integrated and National Levels, and they serve as an advisory and recommendatory body to the Local Government Units (LGUs), BFAR, DA and other relevant government institutions in matters concerning management of fisheries and aquatic resources. FARMCs also actively participate and assist in planning, policy-making, law enforcement and implementation of projects and programs in the fisheries sector--both in marine and freshwater ecosystem.

The FARMC is a powerful tool for participatory management, promotes empowerment particularly among the marginalized fisherfolk, and encourages cooperation and compliance of various issues, concerns and opportunities in the fisheries sector. Their recommendations serve as a valuable inputs to the planning processes for the programs that are geared towards increased fisheries production in a sustainable manner.

Considering the important role of the FARMCs in fisheries management and development activities, this participatory management tool should be continually promoted and nurtured. One such approach is to provide them with continuing incentives such as recognition of their valuable contributions. The Gawad Saka Search for Outstanding Municipal or City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (M/CFARMC) is one such incentive.