The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga formally capped off the celebration of the 60th Fish Conservation Week in a meaningful awarding and closing ceremony held on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the Regional Fisherfolk Training Center, Masao, Butuan City.
RFTFCD chief Anna Melissa M. Talavera, together with the chief aquaculturist Rizalinda L. Abing, finance and admin chief Elvera B. Sayas and provincial fishery officers, led the awarding of plaque of appreciation to the Regional Bureau’s key partners in sustainable fisheries management and conservation.
Various dignitaries from the national government agencies, academe, local government units, non-governmental organization, and fisherfolk associations, were recognized for their dedication and outstanding initiatives in promoting sustainable and equitable management of the fisheries resources, as well as their active engagement in resource protection and conservation and law enforcement.
Agusan del Norte provincial fishery officer Rustico L. Ranoco stressed that the call for “Masaganang Pangisdaan, Maunlad na Ekonomiya” cannot be achieved without the active participation of the partner key stakeholders, noting the importance of working as a team.
In her message, RFTFCD chief Talavera, reminded the BFAR employees that the FishCon celebration is a reiteration of the fisheries bureau’s vision – as an Institution of excellence in sustainable fisheries management and innovative services contributing to the nation’s food security and improving fisherfolk quality of life.
Talavera further highlighted the importance of pursuing of the five criteria of the Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) program within the local government units – particularly on the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, establishment of harvest control rules for the observance of off-fishing season, establishment of marine protected areas, and effective mangrove protection and rehabilitation program, as well solid waste and waste water management.
In closing, FMRED officer-in-charge Edgardo P. Balambao thanked the honorees for heeding the invitation of DA-BFAR Caraga and encouraged everyone to work together to contribute to national food security and economic development.
