The Climate Risk Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) conducted through focus group discussions (FGDs) in Looc and Lubang, Occidental Mindoro has revealed declining catch rates for key species, including yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, mackerel tuna, and rabbitfish, amid increasing climate pressures. The assessment found that both municipalities are highly susceptible to drought, elevated temperatures, and storm surges, and face moderate risks of coastal flooding. These combined impacts underscore the urgent need for tailored climate-resilient interventions to help local fisherfolk sustain their livelihoods given their strong dependence on fisheries.

During the FGD, other commodities were also assessed, including milkfish (fish pond), whiteleg shrimp, mangrove crab, anchovy, ballpen squid, flying fish, needle fish, grouper, and trevally. Following this, a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) survey was conducted in two barangays in Looc (Poblacion and Agkawayan) and three in Lubang (Maliig, Tangal, and Tagbac), having over 70 participants combined. The smooth facilitation of these activities was made possible through the support of representatives from the FISHCORE Regional Project Implementing Unit (RPIU) and the Fisheries Management Area Coordinating Unit (FCU).

The FGD gathered representatives from the Municipal Agriculturist 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). The presence of fisherfolk leaders, aquaculture farm owners, and students from the Looc National School of Fisheries further enriched the discussion and ensured a more inclusive process.

 Vanessa Mae Escaño, Senior Science Research Specialist, highlighted the significance of the project in determining measures to lessen the vulnerability of fisherfolk to the impacts of climate change. Meanwhile, Science Research Specialists I Emmanuel Sanchez and Janabless Tejada discussed the conduct of CRVA data gathering and mapping alongside the CBA protocol.

“CRVA plays a crucial role in determining ways to mitigate the effects of climate change. With BFAR and NFRDI working together, let us all look forward to a better future for the fisheries sector,” said Reymart Dagaraga, FCU representative, in his closing remarks.

The CRVA under the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FISHCORE) concluded its fieldwork on the island municipalities of Looc and Lubang, Occidental Mindoro on October 10, 2025. Organized by the Department of Agriculture – National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), this initiative aims to reinforce the fisheries sector’s climate resilience by identifying priority commodities and conducting FGDs and surveys among vulnerable fishing communities within Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs) 6 and 9. ### (Janabless Tejada)