The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), together with the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), conducted a training of trainers on Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) for State Universities and Colleges (SUC), Higher Education Institutions (HEI), and other government agencies. This is to build up a pool of EAFM trainers in the country.
The activity was conducted on June 26-28, 2023 at the Park Inn by Radisson in Iloilo City. A total of 25 participants from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao attended the training, which aimed to provide participants with essential EAFM training skills.
Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, DOST-PCAARRD's Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) Director, welcomed the participants and resource speaker.
The three-day training led the participants to acquire necessary presentation skills; present sessions individually, in pairs, and in mini groups; practice running energizers and share their own energizers; practice reviews; and facilitate pair work, small group work, role play and plenary that would equip them as trainers of EAFM.
A graduation ceremony was conducted as a closing activity during the last day of the training. DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora expressed his appreciation to UPV for co-organizing this training during his closing remarks. He congratulated the participants for their dedication and active engagement in the learning sessions.
“You all have worked hard, but in fact, the real work only starts now. This is the beginning of our concerted efforts to work together with our partners, your university and community to support the capacity needs of fisheries management by training more people,” said Dr. Ebora.
The highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of certificate of completion to the participants followed by a photo opportunity.
The ToT on EAFM participants in action at Park Inn by Radisson in Iloilo last 26-28 June 2023.