Mandaue City, Cebu – The binding agreement between AFOS Foundation and its Cebu partners was executed on May 03, 2023 at the Bai Hotel, Mandaue City, Cebu.

The MOA provides the framework for collaboration between the partners, recognizing the need for multi-stakeholder partnerships to promote sustainable fisheries & related food value chains in Central Visayas through the FISH Visayas Project. Further, the agreement supports the improvement of the income situation of fisheries-dependent families and MSMEs along the fisheries and related value chains until June 2025. Finally, the partners agreed to cooperate in mutual trust and to exchange information regularly about all major developments, issues, and extraordinary incidents in the FISH Visayas Project.

Present in the MOA Signing Ceremony are the signatories and witnesses of the FISH Visayas Project Partners:

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Joy Lorena Segismar, Executive Director

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Cebu Provincial Fishery Office

Joel B. Clapano, Provincial Fishery Officer

Rebecca V. Saburao, Aquacultural / Technologist / PFO – Cebu Planning Officer

DTI – Cebu Provincial Office

Rose Mae M. Quinanola, Provincial Director

Marivic V. Aguilar, Division Chief, SME Development Division

Department of Science and Technology Region VII

Engr. Adrian D. Cruz, OIC – Provincial S&T Director

Local Government Unit of Bantayan

Hon. Arthur E. Despi, Municipal Mayor

Alexander Joseph C. Fernandez, Municipal Agriculture Officer

Local Government Unit of Cordova

Hon. Cesar E. Suan, Municipal Mayor

Hon. Chito Degamo Bentazal, SB Councilor

AFOS Foundation

Yvette Hope P. Labus, Project Manager and Philippine Resident Representative

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On September 1, 2022, partner Business Membership Organizations (BMOs) the Bohol Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc., Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry and its Bantayan Island Chapter, and Siquijor Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc., National Government Agencies (NGAS) the DA – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 7 (DA – BFAR 7), the Department of Science & Technology – Region 7 (DOST – 7), the Department of Trade & Industry – Region 7 (DTI – 7) and the Local Government Units (LGUs) in Alburquerque, Bohol; Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Bohol; Tagbilaran City, Bohol; Ubay, Bohol; Bantayan, Cebu; Cordova, Cebu; La Libertad, Negros Oriental; San Juan, Siquijor; Siquijor, Siquijor entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreeing to collaborate and coordinate their efforts through programs and activities as may be identified and agreed upon in a common program of action in order to promote Sustainable Fisheries and Related Food Value Chains in selected areas in Central Visayas.