Cagayan de Oro City — Strengthening sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), together with Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC), and in collaboration with the Agriculture and Productivity Operations Office (APOO), successfully conducted the Shell LiveWIRE Payao Deployment Ceremony on April 16, 2026, at Equi-Parco in Punta, Macabalan.
The activity marked an important milestone for fisherfolk communities in Macajalar Bay as three payaos, or fish aggregating devices, were formally blessed and deployed to support safer and more sustainable fishing operations. The ceremonial blessing reflected the community’s shared hopes for safety at sea, abundant harvests, and long-term livelihood sustainability.
The deployment represents the culmination of the Shell LiveWIRE Program 2025, where fisherfolk from Macabalan completed a three-month capacity-building journey focused on entrepreneurship, livelihood planning, and enterprise development. Through a series of workshops and mentoring sessions, participants developed and presented community-based business proposals. Among the proposed initiatives, the installation of a payao was selected for its strong potential to improve livelihoods while promoting responsible fisheries management.
A total of three payaos were deployed in Macajalar Bay. Two units were provided by the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, while one unit was supported by PSFI and SPC through Shell LiveWIRE. Prior to deployment, geotagging of the designated sites and final sea marking activities were conducted under the guidance of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to ensure accurate placement, navigational safety, and effective monitoring.
The initiative was strengthened through close coordination with various stakeholders, including APOO, BFAR, Coast Guard District Northern Mindanao, Harbor Pilot, Maritime Police, Philippine Ports Authority, Barangay Puntod, and Barangay Macabalan. Through a series of consultation meetings, stakeholders worked together to ensure that the project complied with maritime, environmental, and local governance requirements while promoting the safety and welfare of local fisherfolk.
As part of the program, participating fisherfolk also developed a community-led Payao Management Plan that will guide the proper maintenance, monitoring, and shared stewardship of the deployed structures. The framework is expected to serve as a model for other coastal communities seeking to implement sustainable fisheries livelihood interventions.
Engr. Bernie Daba, APOO Acting City Agriculturist, reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to supporting agriculture and fisheries initiatives that strengthen local livelihoods and economic resilience. He also expressed gratitude to Shell and its partners for their continued support of the city’s fisherfolk communities.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ronald Escobido of BFAR highlighted that April was an ideal deployment period due to favorable wind conditions and the peak fish spawning season, helping maximize the effectiveness of the payaos and improve potential fish yields for local communities.
Representing SPC, Mr. Rhyan Basay emphasized the importance of fisherfolk safety, noting that the proximity of the payaos will help reduce the need for fishermen to travel to distant fishing grounds, lowering operational costs and minimizing risks at sea.
On behalf of the beneficiary groups, fisherfolk representative Mr. Ronald Aquino expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided through Shell LiveWIRE, sharing how the initiative will help improve the livelihoods of fishing families in the area.
The project directly benefits several local organizations, including the Macabalan Fisherfolk Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MFMPC), Macajalar Bay Fisherfolks Association (MABAFA), Macabalan Fisherfolk and Disaster Rescue Association (MAFIDIRA), Barra Riverside Fisherfolks Association (BRFA), and Puntod Integrated Skilled Fisherfolks Association (PISFA).
With around 90 participants composed of fisherfolk, partner organizations, and stakeholders, the activity symbolized more than the deployment of fishing devices. It reflected the power of community collaboration, capacity building, and shared responsibility in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.
Through Shell LiveWIRE, PSFI and SPC continue to champion inclusive and community-driven initiatives that promote livelihood development, fisherfolk safety, and responsible fisheries management across the country.
