The College of Fisheries and Allied Sciences conducted “Solidarity Walk 2026: De Aton El Kinse,” on March 14, 2026, organized by the BS Fisheries and BS Aquaculture Programs in collaboration with the National Training Service Program and the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension.

Through its active involvement in the Too Big To Ignore (TBTI) Philippines, represented by Dr. Maila Pan, the College demonstrated its commitment to advancing research, awareness, and coordinated action in support of small-scale fisheries.

A key segment of the program was the “Solidarity Messages: Voices of the Sea,” delivered by the following leaders: Dir. Al-Zath Kunting, Regional Director of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region IX; Mr. Arben Magdugo, City Agriculturist of Zamboanga City, represented by Ms. Hizel Herminado-Sioko; Dr. Clement Camposano, Chancellor of University of the Philippines Visayas; Dr. Alice Joan Ferrer, Executive Director of the Too Big To Ignore Philippines and Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs of UP Visayas; and Dr. Maila V. Pan, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension of ZSCMST.

The program also featured keynote discussions from Mr. Danny Ocampo, Senior Campaign Manager of Oceana, who delivered his topic on Legal Aspects, Current Status and Ways forward on the SC Ruling allowing Commercial Fishing in Municipal Waters. Meanwhile, Dr. Wilfredo Campos, retired professor from the University of the Philippines Visayas, discussed the

Science Aspects of the

SC Ruling allowing Commercial Fishing in Municipal Waters.

This advocacy activity aimed to raise awareness on the protection of municipal waters and the rights of small-scale fishers under existing fisheries laws; Provide a platform for informed discussion on the legal, ecological, and socio-economic implications of recent developments concerning commercial fishing in municipal waters; Strengthen solidarity among fisherfolk, government agencies, academe, and youth organizations; and

Formalize a collective commitment through the ceremonial signing of the “Seal of Solidarity.”

#TogetherWeCan

#WeAreZSCMST