Project Updates 11

FFSAPI-SARGEN HANDLINE

FIP UPDATES

February 18, 2026

FFSAPI–SARGEN Handline FIP Achieves “C” Rating

The FIP Evaluators assigned the project a “C” progress rating, reflecting tangible improvements and strengthened commitments toward sustainable handline fisheries management.

January 22, 2026

Strengthening Traceability and Coordination to Combat IUU Fishing

Key stakeholders gathered at the SARGEN Office, General Santos City Fish Port Complex, for a coordination meeting aimed at strengthening traceability systems and addressing Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing in Sarangani Province and Sultan Kudarat.

January 13, 2026

FFSAPI–SARGEN Handline FIP Convenes Stakeholders for Project Updates and Recognition

The Project successfully gathered key stakeholders on January 13, 2025, at Venue 88, General Santos City, for a project update and discussion of upcoming activities. The event brought together officers of the SARGEN Handline Association, participating company representatives, vessel owners, fishers, captains, and project partners demonstrating strong collaboration and shared commitment to improving the handline tuna fishery.

November 2025

FFSAPI–SARGEN Handline FIP Voices Strong Support for the Adoption of Harvest Control Rules at WCPFC22

The FFSAPI–SARGEN Handline Fisheries Improvement Project has expressed strong support for the adoption of Harvest Control Rules and Target Reference Points for yellowfin and bigeye tuna at the upcoming WCPFC22 meeting in Manila.

November 7, 2025

Additional ALON Vessel Tracking Units Installed

As part of the ongoing effort to strengthen monitoring, control, and traceability in the local handline tuna fishery, the FIP oversaw the installation of 7 additional ALON vessel tracking units on November 7, 2025.

November 6, 2025

Batch 2 of 2025 Training on Logsheet Reporting, Species Identification, and ETP Policy Consultation

The FIP successfully conducted Batch 2 of its training for handline fishers on accurate logsheet reporting, species identification, and the initial consultation on the Endangered, Threatened, and Protected (ETP) Species Policy.
The session was held on November 6, 2025, at Sun City Suites, General Santos City.

November 5, 2025

Final Consultation Workshop on Key Social and Safety Policies

The SARGEN Tuna Handline Fisheries Improvement Project successfully conducted the Final Consultation Workshop on November 5, 2025, at Venue 88, General Santos City.

October 24, 2025

FIP Conducts Training on Logsheet Reporting, Species Identification, and Consultation on ETP Policy

The FIP successfully conducted a training for handline fishers on accurate logsheet reporting, species identification, and initial consultation on the ETP Species Policy.

October 13-14, 2025

ALON Tracking Units Installed on More Handline Vessels to Strengthen Monitoring and Transparency

To strengthen monitoring, control, and traceability within the local handline tuna fishery, a total of 18 handline vessels were recently installed with ALON vessel tracking units. The devices were donated by the City Government of General Santos, reaffirming its continuing support for sustainable and transparent fishing practices.

September 2 & 4, 2025

FIP Progress Presented at the 25th NTC

Ms. Mercedes Ong, President of the SARGEN Handline presented the latest developments of the FFSAPI-SARGEN Handline Fisheries Improvement Project in two key events of the tuna industry: the All About Handline Summit on September 2 and the Plenary Session of the 25th National Tuna Congress on September 4.