TWG conduct its regular meetings

By Gilbert P. Leopoldo
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The LMDA Technical Working Group (TWG) conducted its first meeting of the year on February 13, 2008 at Kapihan sa Mainit Restaurant, Mainit, Surigao del Norte. The TWG members were very efficient and effective in the delivery of basic services particularly in the protection and conservation of natural resources of the Lake Mainit. In fact, during the meeting the members proposed to have an authority to widen the protection and preservation of the lake ecosystem.

The highlighted agenda of the said meeting was the prioritization of programs of LMDA. The members of the TWG agreed to prioritize the data banking, which includes the Natural Resource Data Banking (NRDB) and GIS Mapping. Sustainable Fisheries project and strengthening of IFARMC’s in the Lake Mainit areas also discussed on the meeting.

In addition to, the TWG met on April 10, 2008 to initiate and finalize the LMDA Action Plan and Financial Budget Plan of 2008 for the BOT presentation. Highlighted also on the meeting was the presentation of the proposed Hydro Power Project of First Gen Renewables. The members of the TWG discussed and deliberated the said project proposal. Mitzi Pollisco, the representative of the project invited the members to attend the Public Consultation for the said hydro project proposal at Jabonga, Agusan del Norte on April 15, 2008.

Ms. Grace Harting, NEDA-13 representative conducted an evaluation and assessment to LMDA during the meeting. She emphasized that LMDA was their choice as respondent due the unique implementation of the projects even of the limited funds available. She added that they were amazed the way LMDA does in the program management. ☻ Gilbert P. Leopoldo

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Gilbert P. Leopoldo is one of the Administrative Staff of Lake Mainit Development Alliance. He is also the data banking and over-all computer maintenance in-charge

FAO 196 Orientation to FARMC

In cooperation with the Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Lake Mainit Development Alliance successfully facilitated the orientation on the Fishery Administrative Order 196 series of 2000 or Guidelines on the Creation and Implementation of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMC’s) on January 28, 2008. This orientation supports the program of the national government “to empower the fisherfolk and to achieve sustainable of fisheries and aquatic resources, attain food security and eradicate poverty among the coastal and inland fishing communities and pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No.8550 otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998”. The Lake Mainit FOCAS in its aim to strengthen the FARMC also supported the said activity.

Mr. Martiano D. Yandra, the BFAR-13 Regional FARMC Coordinator presented and explained the FAO 196 to participating FARMC representatives coming from Municipalities of Mainit, Alegria, Kitcharao, Jabonga, Santiago, and Tubay. © jsn