The Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) has initiated the development of an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) plan to support the implementation of the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FISHCORE) project, to boost stakeholder awareness and engagement in sustainable fisheries initiatives.

Rita dela Cruz, chief of the Education Section, Training Division and designated communications officer of FISHCORE, served as the resource speaker during the planning workshop held on April 7, 2025 at the NFRDI Conference Room, Quezon City. She emphasized the importance of having an IEC plan for every project implementation, not only to raise stakeholder awareness but, more importantly, to drive behavioral change through clear, compelling, and strategic communication that ensures the project’s success and long-term impact.

She discussed the six-step planning process, outlining the necessary methods for developing tailored IEC materials and selecting appropriate platforms. This process involves carefully considering the project’s objectives, the needs and preferences of the target audience, and ensuring that the communication methods align with the desired outcomes. By focusing on these factors, the plan aims to maximize the impact and effectiveness of the messaging.

The planning workshop was attended by NFRDI’s IEC focals from four FISHCORE subcomponents: 1) FishCRRM 1.1 (strengthening NSAP and FMA SAGs), 2) FishCRRM 1.2 (carrying capacity study for aquaculture production), 3) MARLIN 2.2 (CRVA in fisheries), and 4) Establishment of Aqua-Business Technology Incubation (ABTI) Center.

Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos, Scientist V and chief of the Training Division, as well as the FISHCORE subcomponent focal for FishCRRM 1.2, provided the background and rationale for the activity. He emphasized the importance of an IEC plan for FISHCORE, highlighting it as a crucial tool to ensure effective communication of the project’s efforts. By doing so, the plan aims to create positive impacts on both public awareness and to contribute to DA’s food security efforts in terms of providing livelihood opportunity and reducing postharvest losses.

FISHCORE is a seven-year initiative funded by the World Bank and led by DA-BFAR, aimed at strengthening the resilience of the Philippine fisheries sector and coastal ecosystems through sustainability and community empowerment. NFRDI, as BFAR’s research arm, is responsible for FISHCORE’s R&D component. ### (Rita dela Cruz)