On August 17, 2023, Culion Foundation, Inc. (CFI) in partnership with the local government and agencies of Culion, supported the formation of the fisherfolk association in Brgy. Binudac in Culion, Palawan. The activity also involved the crafting of the association’s constitution and by-laws through the assistance of the Office of the Municipal Agriculture, the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, and officials of Barangay Binudac and the Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council.

CFI Program Manager for Environment Noli Llavan represented the foundation as one of the facilitators in the activity.

Attended by various representatives from the sectors of fishermen, women, youth, indigenous peoples, community members and volunteers, this initiative aims to continuously strengthen the capability and technical skills of fisherfolks in the protection of coastal and marine resources in the municipality of Culion.

Composed of 30 members, set of officers, and a draft constitution and by-laws, the Binudac Fisherfolk Association (BinFA) will work to jointly monitor and protect the municipal waters especially in Barangay Binudac from illegal fishing activities or IUU that causes a decrease in fish catches. The association will also intensify the community watch reporting in their Barangay in collaboration with the BFARMC and the indigenous people to strengthen monitoring and safeguarding of the municipal waters including in their marine protected area or MPA.

CFI and other stakeholders will continue to assist Barangay Binudac to uplift the community’s quality of living through sustainable fishing.

Special thanks to Ryan Reyes, Fisheries Focal of Culion LGU, Regem Gigante, Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council Chair, Punong Barangay, Hon. Ma. Elena Calunia, Barangay Council of Binudac, and Alfredo Ando, Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council Chair.