TACLOBAN CITY — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 8, in partnership with Rare Philippines, successfully hosted the Malinis at Masaganang Katubigan (MMK) 2.0 Fun Run and officially launched the Our Shared Sea Campaign on September 14, 2026, marking the opening ceremonies of the 63rd Fish Conservation Week Celebration.
Mobilizing Communities for Coastal and Inland Resource Protection
Held along the route from Magsaysay Road to Senator Enage Street in Tacloban City, the advocacy run gathered around 260 participants, including representatives from government agencies, fisherfolk associations, community runners, and local stakeholders:
Leadership and Shared Responsibility: Hon. Lemuel Honor, Chairperson of the Pacific Alliance of LGUs for Marine Development and Most Outstanding Mayor of the Philippines (Visayas Island), highlighted the joint duty of local governance and citizens in maintaining clean, healthy, and productive marine ecosystems.
Participant Recognition and Awards: Top runners across male and female categories received cash prizes ranging from ₱2,000 to ₱3,000. Registered runners active on social media were awarded ₱1,000 to ₱3,000 worth of gift certificates provided by Rare Philippines, supported by the Minderoo Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Conservation International Global Environment Facility.
Theme and Conservation Goals: Anchored on this year’s theme, “Lusay, Korales, Bakawan: Masaganang Buhay ng Pamayanan,” the initiative aims to strengthen public awareness and promote the sustainable management of aquatic habitats.
Weeklong Educational Campaigns across Samar and Northern Samar
Following the launch, BFAR 8 and its partner organizations will roll out a series of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns across Samar and Northern Samar:
Key Advocacy Topics: Outreach sessions will address Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF), Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), and Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs).
Trade and Resource Regulation: Discussions will cover management frameworks, sustainable trade practices, and regulatory updates for local sea cucumber and spiny lobster fisheries.
