The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga formally opened on Monday, September 18, 2023, the celebration of the 60th Fish Conservation Week with the theme: “Masaganang Pangisdaan, Maunlad na Ekonomiya.”
The Regional Bureau organized a motorcade around the municipality of Cagwait, Surigao del Sur – as its official venue – to kickstart the ceremonial opening of the weeklong celebration.
In her message, Regional Director Omnia B. Olama underscored the pivotal role of the fisheries sector in building a robust economy and in creating a more equitable society.
“Let us continue to work towards shaping the future of the fisheries industry in the Caraga Region by striving towards sustainable fishing practices, improving productivity and efficiency, enhancing market access and diversification and environmental stewardship, and improving the livelihood of fishing communities to contribute to the region’s economic development,” RD Olama added.
Cagwait Mayor Glenn G. Batiancila also graced the opening ceremony and gave his remarks acknowledging the Regional Bureau’s role in advancing fisheries management and marine conservation in the region.
Key officials and personnel from the DA-BFAR Caraga also spearheaded a coastal cleanup drive within the vicinity on Tuesday, September 19, in support of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) 2023.
The two-day event in Cagwait also served as a venue for the DA-BFAR Caraga to foster camaraderie among its employees with its team building activities including series of sports tournament and fun games held from September 18 to 19, 2023, with its official tagline: “Individually we are one drop. Together we are an ocean.”
Other lined activities for this year’s weeklong celebration include: underwater cleanup drive or SCUBAsurero, planting of mangroves, and awarding of outstanding key partners in fisheries management and conservation.
The Fish Conservation Week is celebrated every third week of September as part of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Month), pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 316 in 2017, with this year’s MANA Mo celebration anchored on the theme: “Kapuluan, Kabuluhan, Kaunlaran” (Archipelago, Significance, and Development).
#MANAMo2023 #FishConservationWeek #TagapagtaguyodNgMalinisAtMasaganangKaragatan #BFARCaraga
