03/06/2026
Mula sa BFAR Philippines
| 𝐃𝐀-𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑’𝐬 𝐌𝐌𝐊 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬
The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) formally launched the “Malinis at Masaganang Katubigan” (MMK 2.0) National Search for Outstanding Coastal and Inland Communities on May 28, 2026, in Barangay Olo-olo, Lobo, Batangas.
Building on the successes of the former Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) program, MMK 2.0 expands beyond coastal and marine ecosystems to encompass inland fisheries and freshwater resources. The new program promotes an integrated, ecosystem-based, and climate-resilient approach to aquatic resource management, strengthening efforts to address climate change, environmental degradation, and growing demands on the country’s water resources.
BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig underscored the critical role of local government units (LGUs) and communities in safeguarding the country’s aquatic resources.
“Bawat Pilipino ay mahalaga ang papel sa pangangalaga ng ating katubigan, ngunit higit na mahalaga ang obligasyon at mandato ng ating mga lokal na pamahalaan bilang pangunahing katuwang sa pagpapatupad ng mga programa at polisiya para sa pangangalaga ng ating mga likas-yaman. Hinihikayat natin ang bawat LGU na aktibong makilahok, ibahagi ang kanilang best practices, at ipakita ang kanilang mga inobasyon at tagumpay upang magsilbing inspirasyon sa iba pang komunidad,” Dir. Salilig said.
MMK 2.0 recognizes municipalities and cities that demonstrate excellence in sustainable fisheries management, science-based ecosystem conservation, effective fisheries governance, and the maintenance of clean coastal and inland waters. It also aims to promote best practices and innovative approaches that can be replicated in communities nationwide.
The Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., through Undersecretary Drusila Bayate, called on fisherfolk and local communities to unite in ensuring the success of the program.
“Sa ating mga mangingisda, inaasahan po namin ang inyong pakikipagtulungan at pakikiisa sa programa. Ang tagumpay ng ating layunin ay tagumpay ng ating mga pamilya at komunidad,” Usec. Bayate said on behalf of the Agriculture Secretary.
She further emphasized the direct link between environmental protection, sustainable fisheries, and food security, where more abundant resources are a result of healthy aquatic ecosystems which translate to better income for Filipino fisherfolks.
The program follows a three-year implementation cycle to ensure sustained engagement and capacity development among LGUs. The first year focuses on information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns and capacity-building activities. The second year is dedicated to the search for outstanding coastal fisheries municipalities and cities, while the third year focuses on inland fisheries municipalities and cities.
Winning LGUs will receive national recognition plaques and substantial financial grants to support fisheries and environmental initiatives. National champions may receive awards amounting to as much as P5 million, while special awards will also recognize outstanding performance in specific categories of fisheries and aquatic resource management.
The relaunch was marked by a coastal and underwater cleanup led by BFAR scuba divers and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which removed abandoned herring traps and marine debris from the seabed. The activity brought together the PCG, Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG), Bantay Dagat volunteers, local fisherfolk, and the LGU of Lobo, Batangas, in a collective effort to protect and conserve aquatic resources.
Through MMK 2.0, DA-BFAR encourages all eligible municipalities and cities nationwide to participate and showcase innovative, community-driven fisheries management initiatives that can serve as models for communities across the country.
