Sardine and anchovy fisheries, two of the most important fishery commodities in Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 9, have been identified as moderately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change under the Climate Risk Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) conducted by the Department of Agriculture -National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI).

“Through the CRVA, we aim to generate science-based data and insights that will guide our interventions, helping our fisherfolk adapt, build resilience, and secure their future in the face of changing climate,” said NFRDI Executive Director Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia.

The assessment revealed that sardine fisheries in Cabadbaran City face high exposure to storm surges and sea level rise, compounded by low income and inadequate fisheries support that limit adaptive capacity. Likewise, anchovy fisheries in Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte were found to be at risk due to habitat degradation, heavy livelihood dependence, and weak adaptation measures. These findings underscore the need for targeted strategies to strengthen the resilience of local fishing communities.

To support the assessment, a series of focus group discussions (FGDs) and cost-benefit analysis (CBA) surveys were conducted in Sibutad on October 14-17 and in Cabadbaran City on October 21-24, 2025.

The FGDs covered major local commodities, including milkfish, tilapia, and sardines. Sibutad’s participants also identified anchovy and several seashell species including plicate conch (aninikad) and blood clam (litob), as key local resources, alongside rabbitfish, eel (balakase), abalone, and seaweeds. In Cabadbaran City, sardines emerged as a priority commodity, together with red snapper (maya-maya), flying fish (iliw), skipjack tuna, squid, grouper, mangrove crab, and tiger prawn.

During the sessions, NFRDI Senior Science Research Specialist Vanessa Mae Escaño introduced the CRVA framework and methodology, emphasizing its role in identifying measures to help fisherfolk adapt to climate impacts. Science Research Specialists Emmanuel Sanchez, Rod Kyle Raro, and Janabless Tejada discussed various aspects of the assessment, including data gathering and mapping, preliminary results for priority commodities, and the CBA survey process.

Representatives from the Fisheries Management Area Coordinating Unit (FCU), Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO), Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC), and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) participated in the discussions. Fisherfolk, aquaculture operators, and members of the academe also took part, providing valuable insights into local conditions.

Implemented under the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FISHCORE) project, the CRVA aims to strengthen the adaptive capacity of the country’s fisheries sector. By engaging local communities in FMAs 6 and 9, the initiative reinforces DA-NFRDI’s commitment to supporting fisherfolk livelihoods and promoting the sustainable use of marine resources through research-based, climate-responsive strategies. ### (Janabless Tejada)