Tagbilaran City, Bohol – The Federal Republic of Germany through its embassy in Manila continues to strengthen its effort to get acquainted with projects funded by the German government in the Philippines. The visit successfully showcased the strong presence of AFOS Foundation in the country since 2009 and provided updates, accomplishments, and specific interventions in the implementation of the FISH Visayas Project in the different project sites.

German Embassy’s First Secretary for Political Affairs, Mr. Alexander Schmidt, visited a Project site in Bohol, particularly in Tagbilaran City where he met with the fisherfolk beneficiaries, representatives from the local government unit, and business membership organization. The dialogue with fisherfolks and the partners discussed the successful initiatives of the Project and the future plans within the Project phase.

In particular, present during the visit are the following stakeholders:

Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (BCCI)

Dominic Butalid – President

Rolaine Uy – Executive Director

Jannin Vall Miculob – Project Staff

Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA – BFAR), Bohol Fishery Office

Bruna Abrenica – Senior Aquaculturist Technical Staff

City Agriculture and Veterinary Office (CAVO), LGU Tagbilaran City

Dr. Genette Mae Egos – Head

Jane Sague – Fishery Supervisor

Presidents and Selected Fisherfolk Members

Booy Fisherfolk Association (BOFIA)

Basak-Taloto Fisherfolk Association (BATAFIA)

Ubujan Fisherfolk Association (UFA)

————————————————

The highlight of his trip with the partners is the visit to Kinubkuban Reef Marine Sanctuary, Tagbilaran City’s 4th marine Sanctuary. The FISH Visayas Project supported its establishment through coastal and marine resource protection trainings, laying of demarcation lines, and provision of minor underwater monitoring equipment.