From March 24 to 31 2026, [EV1.1]amid the tranquil shores of Cebu City, heart of the Philippines' vibrant fishing heritage[EV3.1], the Training of Field Teams for the Conduct of Baseline Survey and Study for the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency Project (FishCoRe) convened at One Central Hotel. Even as Holy Week's solemn tides on March 29 to 31 brought a season of reflection and renewal, this gathering equipped facilitators to navigate data collection challenges with steadfast resilience, mirroring the project's mission to bolster coastal communities

The FishCoRe Project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), aims to strengthen fisheries management and sustainability in the Philippines. Sustainable Development Solutions (SDS) conducted a comprehensive seven-day training program for field teams to build capacity for the project's baseline survey and data collection efforts. The inaugural [EV5.1]three days of the seven-day training program, from March 24 to 26, 2026, brought together the household team and research associates for intensive sessions. Hosted at the Molave Ballroom of One Central Hotel, these sessions drew not only our dedicated field teams and consultants but also esteemed representatives from FishCoRe representing two (2) Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs), FMA 6 and FMA 9.

On the first day, Ms. Jessica Muñoz, FishCoRe Project Deputy Manager, delivered inspiring [EV6.1]welcome remarks, confidently sharing her extensive BFAR expertise, FishCoRe Project insights, and a clear vision for the Baseline Study. The following days were filled with discussions from our Team Leader, Dr. Cleto "Ting" Nañola, Jr., our consultants and experts, Dr. Hilly Ann Roa-Quiaoit, Mr. Virgilio Cabezon, Dr. Veronica Hernando, Mr. Pierre Nicholas Montes, Mr. Enrico Franco Vistan, and Ms. Niñosa Nuque - who delivered comprehensive presentations on their specialized topics during the combined sessions.

From Days four (4) to seven (7), the research teams conducted dedicated discussions for their Household (HH) and Key Informant Interview (KII) groups, enabling a thorough review of every question in their respective questionnaires. During these focused sessions, our expert consultants facilitated in-depth discussions, allowing both HH and KII teams to seek clarifications, explore all questionnaire sections, and address potential ambiguities.

HH teams further enhanced their skills through hands-on practice interviews, priming them for upcoming field exercises. Meanwhile, KII teams delved into best practices for conducting KIIs and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), reviewed the new KII Value Chain Questionnaire, clarified key terminologies, and resolved concerns raised by both Research Associates and FishCoRe personnel.

On March 29, 2026, the research team, covering both Household (HH) and Key Informant Interview (KII) components conducted hands-on field practice interviews in Barangay Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu City. This immersive session allowed the team to refine their interviewing techniques in a real-world setting, fostering greater confidence and precision ahead of full-scale data collection.

Following the fieldwork, the team convened for a structured debriefing, where they candidly discussed encountered challenges, sought clarifications on protocols, and exchanged valuable firsthand experiences. These insights not only strengthened team cohesion but also informed targeted adjustments to ensure the success of upcoming surveys.

Prior to the formal training, the SDS Team strategically conducted pilot tests in two purposely selected sites: Pangasinan in Region 1 and Camiguin Island in Region 10. These locations were chosen to represent FMA 6 and 9, ensuring diverse geographic and contextual coverage. This proactive step proved invaluable, as it enabled the team to field-test the questionnaires in real-world conditions, identify areas for refinement, and iteratively improve the instruments for greater accuracy, usability, and alignment with program objectives.

The training concluded on March 31, 2026, with a formal closing ceremony that marked the field teams' successful preparation during Holy Week. The participants left equipped with improved skills and clear plans, prepared to conduct surveys across key fishing areas in FMA 6 and FMA 9. This preparation aligns with FishCoRe's goals to promote sustainable fisheries and strengthen communities. As teams transition to fieldwork, their enhanced capabilities promise reliable data to guide long-term resilience.

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