The three-day training, held in Tagbilaran City, gathered representatives from 13 Local Government Units (LGUs), one (1) Provincial Agriculture Office, and the Provincial Fishery Offices (PFOs) of BFAR-VII. The initiative forms part of the national rollout of the enhanced Fish N’ LEarn Game, a tool developed to promote financial education among fisherfolk.
Originally launched in 2022, the Financial Literacy (FinLit) Program was conceptualized to address the limited access of fisherfolk to sound financial practices. In 2024, BFAR, BSP, and BDOF refined the game to better reflect the realities of different fisheries sub-sectors—ranging from capture fisheries and aquaculture to fish processing, vending, and salt production. For 2025, Region 7 was selected as one of the three pilot regions for the national rollout, alongside provinces in the Cordillera and Caraga.
The Bohol training featured:
- An orientation and demonstration of the enhanced Fish N’ LEarn game, led by BFAR Region 7 and national focal persons;
- Capacity-building workshops to standardize understanding of game mechanics;
- Technical training for LGU implementers, equipping them to serve as frontline trainers for fisherfolk;
- And a documentation session highlighting inspiring success stories of fisherfolk who have previously benefited from the game.
Opening messages were delivered by BFAR Region 7 Director Mario N. Ruinata, and messages of support from BSP Managing Director Charina De Vera-Yap, BDO Foundation President Mario A. Deriquito, and DA Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Arnel V. de Mesa, CESO III. The program also featured closing insights from BSP’s Economic and Financial Learning Office, represented by Director Marianne M. Santos.
According to Arnulfo E. Taberna Jr, BFAR’s Alternate National FinLit Focal, the program aims to build a pool of trained financial literacy champions within BFAR and LGUs. These champions will then cascade the training to fisherfolk, especially those in the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) provinces, thereby promoting financial resilience and improved livelihood outcomes in coastal and rural communities.
This collaborative effort underscores BFAR’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in the fisheries sector—ensuring that fisherfolk are not only equipped to produce, but also empowered to prosper.
