Sagay City has been selected as one of the pilot sites for a climate-resilient aquaculture project that aims to help more than 6,000 fisherfolk and aquaculture producers make better decisions during extreme weather events, through the use of digital technology, satellite monitoring, and localized advisories.
The Technology-Integrated Information for Aquaculture Data and Disaster Alerts (TIN-AD) Project seeks to develop a climate-responsive and digitally-enabled decision-support system that will provide fisherfolk and aquaculture farmers with timely information on weather conditions, aquaculture management, and disaster risks, the city said June 8.
The system combines an aquaculture guidance chatbot, satellite monitoring technology, and a weather and disaster alert engine that will deliver advisories through an online dashboard and Facebook Messenger.
Representatives from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office–British Embassy Manila (FCDO-BEM), FutureFish, E-Primate, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources–Negros Island Region (BFAR-NIR) presented the project during a consultation at Balay Kauswagan in the city June 4.
Project partners said Sagay was selected because of its diverse aquaculture industry, extensive fishpond and fish cage operations, active fisherfolk organizations, strong local government support, and vulnerability to climate-related hazards.
Representing Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva, Councilor Exequiel Marañon said the project could play an important role in strengthening the resilience of Sagay’s coastal communities.
“With six coastal barangays and around 6,000 fisherfolk, this initiative has the potential to help our communities better prepare for weather disturbances and protect their livelihoods,” Marañon said.
Councilor Sherwin Sy, speaking on behalf of Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr., thanked FutureFish and its partner-agencies for choosing Sagay as one of the project’s pilot areas.
Cueva said climate adaptation has become increasingly important for coastal communities, whose livelihoods depend on the sea.
“Our fisherfolk are among the first to feel the effects of changing weather patterns. Access to timely information and science-based advisories can help them make better decisions, reduce risks, and protect their income,” Cueva stressed.
The mayor added that the project reflects how technology can be used to support traditional industries while helping communities adapt to emerging environmental challenges.
The consultation was facilitated by the City Agriculture Office, headed by city agriculturist Julie Delima, and gathered representatives from local fisherfolk groups, government agencies, and project-partners to discuss the implementation of the pilot initiative in Sagay.
Officials said the project aims to strengthen climate resilience while promoting sustainable aquaculture practices that can help secure food production and coastal livelihoods in the years ahead. ||
