Makati City, Philippines—Over 20 representatives from government agencies, seafood industry, and development organizations gathered today for the Inception Meeting launching Building Inclusive and Climate-Resilient Seafood Value Chains through Responsible Seafood Sourcing, also known as ValueSea, a project led by Bluer Seas Philippines under the Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) Facility Philippines.
The initiative seeks to transform Philippine seafood value chains into responsible seafood economies through Responsible Seafood Sourcing (RSS). Anchoring on a domestic standard for seafood sustainability, the project will promote legal compliance, traceability, sustainability commitment, and human and social welfare across fisheries supply chains.
The COAST Facility works to surface three high-priority outcomes. By focusing on protecting biodiversity and critical habitats, productivity within vulnerable coastal communities can be scaled sustainably, leading to an overall equitable access to benefits for the people, and a thriving ecosystem.
“COAST in short is focused on protection of coastal resources and the livelihood of the people that depend on those resources,” said William Jatulan, Philippine country leader for the COAST Facility. “If we are to measure the success of this project, we like to see the impact on vulnerable coastal communities.”
Key institutional seafood buyers and social enterprises across the Philippines such as Agro-Digital, Fishta Seafood Inc, JC Seafoods, Mayani, Mida Trade, Meliomar Inc, Mindanaw Seafood, HanapGulay, Sinaya Seafood, and Tindagat announced their commitment of support during the Inception Event’s ceremonial signing.
With a three-year implementation period, the project will strengthen market access, reduce illegal and unsustainable fishing practices, and improve post-harvest and value chain capacities. Activities will support communities in Lubang Island and Marinduque while engaging market actors to scale responsible seafood practices nationally.
“Our aim is not to be here forever. A project has a beginning and an end,” said Bluer Seas Executive Director Rebeca Andong. “When we leave, it is our aim that the communities will be empowered and resilient.”
Andong further reiterated the need for responsibly sourced seafood to not only be for those who can afford it, but be universally available. While challenges persist, collaboration with government agencies and encouraging greater cooperation with markets can open up pathways towards tangible improvements.
“The approach, which also focuses on consumer habits by educating people on how to sustainably consume our available resources is a point for excitement,” related Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) MIMAROPA Assistant Regional Director Rodolfo Mariposque. DTI MIMAROPA has been a valuable partner of Bluer Seas, with previous efforts culminating in a launched Shared Service Facility projects in Linapacan and Busuanga, Palawan.
Similarly, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation OIC Dr. Mea F. Baldonado shared BFAR’s enthusiasm for the project. “BFAR works hand in hand with organizations to support resource management and coastal protection, food safety, and traceability,” said Dr. Baldonado. “These partnerships and collaborations are vital for us to implement our mandate and help fisherfolks improve their living conditions. Rest assured that BFAR will always be open to partnerships and whatever plans we can provide to our fisherfolks.”
Assistant Regional Director Mariposque and Dr. Baldonado, representing BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig, also signed the statement of shared commitment, affirming a shared dedication to ValueSeas Project under the COAST Facility.
The event underscored the value of partnerships across government, industry, and communities in promoting sustainable fisheries and livelihood security, and delivering impacts that benefit the country’s most vulnerable sectors.
