TBTI Philippines Strengthens National Network for Small-Scale Fisheries at 7th Executive Committee Meeting
Alice Joan Ferrer, Pearl Aljean Santacera, Benedict Mark Carmelita
PILI, Camarines Sur: The National Consortium for Small-Scale Fisheries Research and Development in the Philippines or Too-Big-To-Ignore (TBTI) Philippines, convened its 7th Executive Committee (ExeCom) Meeting on 30–31 July 2026 at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) in Pili, Camarines Sur. Hosted by CBSUA in partnership with Partido State University (PSU), the meeting brought together presidents, chancellors, and representatives from 32 of the consortium's 48 member higher education institutions (HEIs) to review accomplishments, strengthen institutional partnerships, and chart the consortium's future directions in advancing research, education, extension, and policy advocacy for Philippine small-scale fisheries (SSF).
The meeting reflected the continued growth of TBTI Philippines. Since its formal establishment in 2023 under the leadership of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), the consortium has expanded into a nationwide platform that links universities, government agencies, development organizations, civil society groups, and fisherfolk communities in promoting evidence-based and inclusive governance for SSF.
Courtesy Call with Mayor Leni Robredo
Prior to the Executive Committee Meeting, the TBTI Philippines delegation paid a courtesy visit on Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor "Leni" G. Robredo and former Vice President of the Philippines. During the visit, Prof. Alice Joan G. Ferrer, Executive Director of TBTI Philippines and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of UPV, presented Mayor Robredo with a hard copy of the consortium's first publication, “Portrait of Small-Scale Fishers in the Philippines”. The visit highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and local governments in promoting evidence-based fisheries governance and sustainable development.
Executive Committee Convenes
The meeting formally opened with a welcome message from CBSUA President Dr. Alberto N. Naperi, who underscored the urgency of addressing the continued decline in Philippine capture fisheries while emphasizing the important role of HEIs in generating knowledge, building local capacities, and supporting sustainable fisheries management.
The Executive Committee Meeting was officially called to order by TBTI Philippines Consortium Chair, Prof. Clement C. Camposano and Chancellor of UPV. Executive Director Ferrer certified the presence of a quorum, with representatives from 32 of the consortium's 48 member institutions in attendance. The Executive Committee subsequently approved the meeting agenda, adopted the minutes of the previous meeting, and proceeded with its business agenda.
Celebrating a Year of Growth
Among the meeting's highlights was the presentation of the Executive Director's Accomplishment Report covering November 2025 to July 2026. The report showed the consortium's expanding membership, monthly national webinar series, publication of the first volume of Waves of Wisdom: Shared Journey in Small-Scale Fisheries, participation in the 5th World Small-Scale Fisheries Congress in Thailand, celebration of National Fisherfolk Day, production of multilingual information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, and capacity-building initiatives conducted in partnership with the UP Visayas Socioeconomics Research and Data Analytics Center (SERDAC) and TBTI Philippines member-HEIs, among others. The report also highlighted a collaborative research project involving 19 TBTI Philippines member HEIs and funded by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), whose research findings have already been incorporated into the second version of the “Malinis at Masaganang Katubigan” (MMK 2.0) program. This demonstrated the consortium's capacity to translate collaborative research into practical inputs for fisheries programs and policy development. The accomplishments likewise demonstrated TBTI Philippines' continued efforts to advance the implementation of the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines) through collaborative research, extension, and policy engagement.
The Executive Committee also approved the appointment of working committee members for TBTI Philippines, covering Conference and Fora, Capacity Building, Membership Network and Linkages, Research Management, and Resource Generation and Mobilization, further strengthening the consortium's organizational structure.
Expanding the TBTI Philippines Hub Network
Updates were presented on the accomplishments of the TBTI Philippines Palawan Hub, the consortium's first officially recognized hub. Established as a place-based collaborative network, the hub brings together higher education institutions and local partners to address the unique environmental, socio-cultural, and governance challenges affecting SSF within a shared context while advancing research, extension, capacity building, and community engagement. The Executive Committee likewise approved the recognition of the TBTI Philippines Northern Mindanao Hub, further expanding the consortium's hub network.
Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium Continues Its Journey Across the Country
The Executive Committee also received updates on the Third Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS3) from Dr. Maria Luisa Valdez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences of Batangas State University (BatStateU) ARASOF–Nasugbu and TBTI Philippines Focal Person.
The symposium series continues its journey across the Philippine archipelago, reflecting TBTI Philippines' commitment to making SSF a national movement.
The First Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS1) was held on 16-18 October 2024 at UPV–Iloilo City Campus under the theme "Small-Scale Fisheries in the Philippines are Too Big to Ignore". The symposium brought together more than 600 participants from universities, government agencies, civil society organizations, fisherfolk groups, and development partners from across the country, marking the first national gathering dedicated solely to SSF.
Building on this momentum, the Second Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS2) was hosted by Mindanao State University – Main Campus, Marawi City on 21–23 October 2025 under the theme "From Recognition to Action: Advancing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Philippines." The symposium gathered more than 300 participants, further strengthening collaboration among researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and fishing communities while bringing the national conversation on small-scale fisheries to Mindanao.
Continuing this nationwide journey – from the Visayas, to Mindanao, and now Luzon – the Third Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS3) will be held on 21–23 October 2026 at the Batangas State University Pablo Borbon Campus in Batangas City, hosted by Batangas State University – The National Engineering University with the theme “From Action to Replication: Scaling Up and Deepening the Impact of Small-Scale Fisheries.”
Looking Ahead
The Executive Committee likewise confirmed that the 8th Executive Committee Meeting will be hosted by Mindanao State University at Naawan in November 2026, continuing the consortium's tradition of rotating its meetings among member institutions and strengthening collaboration across the country's island groups.
Celebrating Fisheries, Culture, and Community
Following the Executive Committee Meeting, delegates gathered for the Fellowship Night.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Bisacol translations TBTI Philippines Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, prepared by CBSUA, further supporting the consortium's goal of making fisheries knowledge accessible through Philippine languages and local dialects.
The Fellowship Night also featured an inspiring keynote message from Ka Arnel Boholst, an artisanal fisherfolk leader from Bicol and Council Member of the National Anti-Poverty Commission's Artisanal Fisherfolk Sector. In his address, he emphasized the vital role of academic institutions in supporting small-scale fisherfolk, stating:
"Ako ang naniniwala na ang sandalan na lang ng maliliit na mangingisda ay ang akademya. Sa lahat ng dagok ng mga mangingisda, [kayo] na lang na ahensya ang naniniwala sa amin at palagi kaming sinusuportahan” (I firmly believe that the academe has become the remaining pillar of support for small-scale fisherfolk. Amid all the hardships that fisherfolk face, you are among the few institutions that continue to believe in us and consistently stand by and support us.)
The evening concluded with a cultural performance by CBSUA students, whose vibrant presentation celebrated Bicolano traditions and showcased the university's commitment to preserving Filipino culture and heritage.
On the second day of the activity, delegates toured Naga City, including a visit to the Jesse M. Robredo Museum of Good Governance, where they reflected on the values of participatory leadership, transparency, accountability, and citizen-centered governance – principles that resonate strongly with TBTI Philippines' vision for inclusive and sustainable fisheries governance.
TBTI Philippines extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), under the leadership of President Dr. Alberto N. Naperi and Associate Professor Agnes G. Faustino (TBTI Philippines Focal Person), and to Partido State University, led by President Dr. Arnel B. Zarcedo and Dr. Raul B. Bradecina, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Knowledge Management, for their warm hospitality, invaluable support, and outstanding efforts in hosting the 7th Executive Committee Meeting.
National Movement for Small-Scale Fisheries
The consortium continues to expand its membership, establish hubs, develop knowledge products, and strengthen partnerships across sectors.
Explore TBTI Philippines Knowledge Products
TBTI Philippines' publications, books, multilingual IEC materials, and other resources may be accessed by scanning the QR codes below. These are freely available resources that support research, education, extension, and policy development for Philippine SSF.
Photos by: Pearl Santacera, Jem Ferrer, and CBSUA Public Information Office.
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