The Project has assessed the adverse effects of Typhoon Odette on the wildlife and residents of the Province of Bohol, specifically Kinubkuban Reef located in Taloto District on February 2, 2022. Both private and public infrastructures saw the onslaught of the super typhoon.
The assessment was made to survey the damage done by the Typhoon to the demarcated marine sanctuary and see the possible interventions and rehabilitations that may be applied by the Project. Some repairs were also applied to areas of the marine sanctuary, as well as, minor improvements to the floating guardhouse. This evaluation was joined by City Agrivet Office Staff, Fisherfolks, Area Coordinator, and FISH Visayas Project Staff.
Kinubkuban Reef was inaugurated last February 18, 2021, in Tagbilaran City Hall and has since become the fourth marine sanctuary in the city. The event included the ribbon cutting and turnover of materials for the demarcation of the sanctuary. Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) is a partner of AFOS Foundation in the implementation of the FISH Visayas Project.
The FISH Project aims to make sustainable and increase the incomes of fisherfolk and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Fisheries and related Food Value Chains by qualifying Business Membership Organizations (BMO) in Central Visayas to provide services in dual training and certification, in the promotion of sustainable fisheries and in marketing. The objective set by the foundation shall be attained through interventions in 4 focal areas: BMO Development, Sustainable Technologies & Certification, Sustainable Marine & Aquatic Resources, and Market Access.
An ordinance, sponsored by City Councilor Glova and declaring the Kinubkuban Reef as a marine sanctuary, outlines the rules and regulations governing the management and operations of the reef. This includes the reef being protected and conserved, along with the sustainability of its aquatic resources. Authorized to enforce the ordinance are the City Agrivet Office, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, the law enforcement officers of the DENR-BFAR, DA-BFAR, and the barangay officials of Brgy. Taloto.
The total Fisheries production for the province of Bohol registered a 15.94 % high increase from 8,816.54 metric tons in the third quarter of the year 2017 to a record of 10,221.87 metric tons in the third quarter of 2018. These data indicate the potential of the island to increase production with the right direction and technology. This is very timely to the growing demand of the locals and businesses as the province slowly recovers from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Odette.