MSU at Naawan Strengthens Partnerships for Balingasag Mariculture Park Management

On January 24, 2025, Mindanao State University at Naawan hosted a significant meeting today with representatives from AgriCOOPh and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to forge partnerships aimed at enhancing the management of the Balingasag Mariculture Park.

Dr. Karsten Ludwig Wilhelm Schroeder, AgriCOOPh Development Advisor from GIZ, and Mikhail Manpatilan of AgriCOOPh met with MSUN officials, including Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Global Engagement Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Director for the Research and Innovation Institute Dr. Anabelle Dece A. Espadero, and Sea Cucumber R&D Center Head Dr. Wilfredo H. Uy.

The primary agenda focused on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among MSU at Naawan, AgriCOOPh, LGU Balingasag, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the fisherfolk association in Balingasag. The MOA outlines collaborative efforts to ensure the proper management and sustainable operation of the Balingasag Mariculture Park.

Under the agreement, MSU at Naawan commits to providing technical support and capacity-building initiatives. These include training programs and guidance on seaweed cultivation, sea cucumber production, and the management of siganid and milkfish production systems, among others.

This partnership aligns with MSUN’s RIIDE Agenda to foster sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices in collaboration with key stakeholders. By leveraging our expertise, we aim to contribute to the development of a resilient and productive Mariculture Park. The meeting also highlighted the significance of a multi-sectoral approach to addressing challenges in aquaculture and ensuring the livelihoods of fisherfolk communities in Balingasag.

The partnership is expected to strengthen the operational efficiency of the mariculture park and serve as a model for collaborative fisheries management in the region.