The United States Agency for International Development (Usaid) and the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) led by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala on Wednesday launched a new project that will help improve the management of the Philippines' marine and coastal resources. The Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries (Ecofish) Projects is a five-year technical assistance project designed to protect and manage eight marine key biodiversity areas (MKBAs) in the country: the Calamianes Group of Islands in Palawan province; Lingayen Gulf in Pangasinan; Ticao Pass-Lagonoy Gulf-San Bernardino Strait in Bicol and Samar region; Danajon Double Barrier Reef in Bohol and Leyte provinces; Southern Negros Occidental; Surigao provinces; the Sulu Archipelago; and the Verde Island Passage in Batangas and Mindoro Area.

US, Philippines launch fishery sector program. (2012, October 18). The Manila Times, p. B1.