𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 || The Regional Office 9 of the Department of Agriculture- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) conducted an initiative to strengthen the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) officers of LGU Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte through Financial Literacy on April 16, 2024. The Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division (RFTFCD) aimed to enable fisherfolk to contribute to long-term objectives by providing them with basic personal financial management skills, making them more informed financial decision-makers, and recognizing that everyone has a role in safeguarding the ocean and coastal communities, not just the government. The initiative involved an interactive simulation that attempted to mimic the real-life events that influence the daily financial decisions of fishermen and their families, incorporating lessons on positive money habits and proper marine conservation.

During the event, Hon. Joel M. Ventura, the municipal Mayor of Sibuco, expressed his appreciation for the initiative, acknowledging its significant impact in equipping fisherfolk with the knowledge and skills necessary for financial literacy. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding aquatic resources as a vital source of income for the community and highlighted the value of such initiatives in promoting sustainable livelihoods among fisherfolk and vital financial decision making. The activity concluded as participants successfully absorbed the 5M’s key messages conveyed by the initiative, which included being caring towards the ocean, saving for the future, growing income through business, being secure through insurance, and being smart in borrowing.

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