Researchers from the Department of Agriculture–National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) participated in the 2nd Fisheries Management and Scientific Working Group (FMSWG) Meeting on July 27, 2026, at the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Central Office in Quezon City to strengthen collaboration and align research priorities that support evidence-based fisheries management.

Convened by DA-BFAR, the meeting gathered experts from BFAR and NFRDI to enhance the science-management interface by identifying priority research and development (R&D) initiatives that will inform fisheries policies, programs, and management decisions.

Among the priority collaborative initiatives discussed were the nationwide boat and gear inventory; multi-species and multi-gear fisheries assessment and management; assessment of postharvest losses; implementation of the Western Pacific East Asia–Sustainable Pacific Fisheries (WPEA-SPF) project; National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP); and proposed amendment to Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 263 on the establishment of Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs).

The FMSWG was established to ensure that sound scientific information and technological innovations are readily available to DA-BFAR’s top management, providing a strong scientific basis for evidence-based fisheries policies and sustainable resource management.

Representing NFRDI was Executive Director Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia, who serves as FMSWG co-chairperson. She was joined by Marites Chiuco, chief of the Planning, Policy and Information Division (PPID); Elsa Furio, chief of the Capture Fisheries Research and Development Division (CFRDD); Dr. Mary Nia Santos, Scientist I and chief of the Aquatic Animal Health Section of the Aquaculture Research and Development Division (ARDD); and Riza Jane Banicod, assistant division chief of the Fisheries Postharvest Research and Development Division (FPHRDD).

Also in attendance from NFRDI were Francisco Torres Jr., Luz Romena, Suzette Barcoma, Nicko Flores, Noemi Dicdiquin, and Ronnie Romero of CFRDD; Gilda Joannah Calderon of ARDD; Tyronne James Buico and Renalee Arenas of PPID; and Cyrenes Moncawe of the Training Division. ### (Cyrenes Moncawe)