National FARMC Program Management Centre
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) established this national centre that implements and coordinates the national Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (FARMC) program of the Philippine government. It is charged with the facilitation, coordination and spearheading program implementation nationwide. Strategies and policies to enhance program execution are formulated and based on regular program evaluation.
Conditions for adoption elsewhere:
• Legal framework (the 1998 Philippine Fisheries Code, Republic Act No. 8550 mandates the creation of FARMCs, defines responsibilities and authority of stakeholders and decisive engagement of fisherfolk in coastal resources and fisheries management. The Fisheries Administrative Order No. 196 defined FARMC implementation process).
• Will and commitment of government and community leaders;
• Funding and human resources.
The support provided by governmental agencies and fisherfolk from local communities, including their leaders is a paramount factor of successfully establishing the FARMC and implementation of the programme.
Due to the legal framework and the strong cooperation and participation of all stakeholders concerned, government agencies and entities that were first unwilling to share power could be convinced to cooperate. However, this is a challenging process.
Solutions for inadequate financial and logistical support due to the lack of programme funding, and lack of technical personnel to provide assistance are common problems that need to be taken into account during the planning, inception and implementation phases. National and international partner organisations may be alternative options to be assessed.