Cordova, Cebu – A total of 106 fishers successfully completed the Organizational Development Training initiated by the FISH Visayas Project on November 16, 20, and 21, 2023. The primary objective of the training was to fortify the organizational capacity of partner people’s organizations, providing them with the tools for more effective and sustainable operations in the long term.

The training, facilitated by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), encompassed four comprehensive modules. Participants actively engaged in various activities, ranging from illustrating the current community condition to defining organizational missions, visions, and goals. Action plans were developed in response to identified challenges and needs, cultivating a sense of ownership and commitment to community projects and interventions.

In essence, the capacitation of fishers within their respective associations serves as a catalyst for the development of essential skills, including leadership, communication, and project management. This, in turn, fosters robust cooperation among members, establishes clear organizational goals and aspirations, streamlines processes for transparency, and defines shared roles and accountabilities. Importantly, well-organized fisherfolk associations are better positioned to attract support from diverse sources, including funding agencies, government programs, and other valuable avenues. This increased access to resources becomes pivotal for implementing sustainable fishing practices, uplifting livelihoods, and initiating community development projects.

The training successfully involved three partner people’s organizations in Cordova: the Pilipog Fisherfolk Association, Pundok sa Progresibong Mananagat sa Bangbang, and Kapunungan sa Mananagat sa Ibabao. The engagement of these organizations was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Municipal Agriculturist Office of LGU Cordova. Meanwhile, the overall implementation was overseen by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry in conjunction with the AFOS Foundation.

Ultimately, the Organizational Development Training for the people’s organizations in Cordova serves as a strategic direction in the sustainability, resilience and prosperity of these associations and the larger community they represent.

The Training on Organizational Development aims to achieve Result Area 1: Training for Fishermen and MSMEs of the FISH Visayas Project.