Jumamoy OKs digital device

INABANGA – “Little do we know about information technology and how this can be used to help transform the marine aquarium trade in the Philippines . We welcome the technology of having a digital device that will trace the origin of the fish until it reaches the highest level in the chain of custody. If our collectors and coordinators would benefit from this new technology we on the government side are more than willing to support it.” This was Mayor Josephine Socorro Jumamoy's opening statement Monday during the forum on Preservation and Traceability: Promoting Digital Inclusion in the Marine Aquarium Fishery at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City ,.

Participants from Marine Aquarium Council (MAC), Reef Check Foundation (RCF), USAID Philippines, Academy for Educational Development (AED), Washington DC, Microsoft Philippines, exporters, coordinators and ornamental fish collectors from San Francisco in Camotes Island of Cebu; and Tubigon, Clarin and Inabanga towns of Bohol that are partners of MAC in its effort towards transforming the marine aquarium industry attended the forum.

Jumamoy said despite the many accolades her town has received, it is not resting on its laurels. It continues to search for ways to help improve the lives of its many marginalized sectors, especially the ornamental fish collectors of Hambongan Island who, for some time were left to “mind their own business.” Her positive response to the new technology is another effort to sustain “go” projects.

“It cannot be discounted that putting a balance to environmental development while catering to the economic needs of the people is a very difficult and challenging task. The aquarium industry for instance is a complicated sector where issues on collection, environmental conservation, income and sustainability are interconnected,” she said. Towards this end, the entry of MAC, RCF and the Conservation and Community Investment Forum (CCIF) to Inabanga is a blessing, she said. The collaborative effort that the Jumamoy administration has forged will work for the transformation of the marine aquarium industry through the use of standards towards international certification, improve the livelihoods and financial viability of the collectors and their communities as well as establish marine management areas.

The international certification is considered responsible and will ensure the sustainability of the marine aquarium industry in Inabanga while creating economic, social and ecological incentives for achieving the benefits of biodiversity conservation and resource management, thereby contributing to poverty alleviation, sustainable livelihoods and food security. Jumamoy emphasized the importance of good governance as the key to change to a brighter future. She said she and the three other mayors have one thing in common: the willingness to accept and adopt the transformation coupled with strong leadership and unwavering commitment to advance the cause of resource management.

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