BFAR’s Search for MMK: LGU Sagñay among nations top 5

The Local Government Unit of Sagñay, Camarines Sur was hailed as one of the top 5 national finalists during the desk evaluation for the 2021 Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) Program. Finalists were assessed based on five criteria: (1) No Illegal Fishing, (2) Observance of off-fishing season, (3) Declaration of marine protected areas, (4) Clean, coastal waters without any garbage or industrial effluence flowing to the sea, and (5) Effective mangrove protection and rehabilitation program.

Along with Sagñay Camarines Sur, the other four municipalities who were shortlisted were Balanga, Bataan, Caluya, Antique, Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte and Cantillan, Surigao del Sur. A field validation is conducted to the five national finalists to determine the top three winners.

The national MMK evaluation team led by Chief Aquaculturist Sandra Victoria R. Arcamo, conducted a field evaluation on August 22-26, 2022 in Sagnay to check and evaluate the LGU’s submitted accomplishments.

The Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) is one of the banner programs of the Bureau that recognizes the outstanding initiatives and contributions of coastal municipalities/cities to sustainable fisheries management. The national winners will be receiving awards in the form of fisheries livelihood development projects amounting to: First Place - Php 30,000,000.00, Second Place - Php 18,000,000.00, and Third Place - 10,000,000.00.