The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Caraga region formally capped off the celebration of the 61st Fish Conservation week in a meaningful, music-filled closing ceremony held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at the Regional Fisherfolk Training Center, Butuan City.
Highlight of the closing ceremony was the recognition of outstanding partners in fisheries management and conservation from various agencies such as law enforcement agencies, non-governmental organization, baywide management councils, local government units (LGUs), and fisherfolk cooperatives as well as the awarding of the top three winners of the revived BFAR MuSEAka (music-video making competition) in the region.
In her message, regional director Omnia B. Olama emphasized the importance of sustaining collective efforts, partnership, and cooperation among various development partners as it resonates deeply with the Bureau’s vision and goals for a thriving and sustainable fishery industry.
“While it’s true that there are still a lot of works to be done, we must recognize and continue our effort to address the challenges that threatens our environment and the very foundation of our fishery sector,” RD Olama added.
Among the awardees present during the event were Libjo mayor Melody Compasivo and Lingig mayor Elmer Evangelio, and other key personnel from the LGUs, baywide management alliance, fisherfolk groups as recipients of the “Gawad Parangal sa mga Kabalikat sa Pangisdaan”.
RD Olama also lauded the Top 3 winners of the BFAR MuSEAka competition for conveying powerful messages and encouraged them to continue to be stewards of sustainable fisheries and advocates of marine conservation.
BFAR MuSEAka: igniting youth advocacy for marine conservation
The youth of Caraga made their voices heard loud and clear as the BFAR MuSEAka: Likhang Kabataan Para sa Yamang Pangisdaan music-video making competition concluded with overwhelming participation and creativity. Organized by the DA-BFAR Caraga and in celebration of the 61st Fish Conservation week, the contest inspired young individuals to produce powerful music videos that highlight the importance of sustainable fisheries and marine conservation.
Twenty-three participating schools from across the region showcased their artistic talents and passion for fisheries, producing original music-videos aligned with the theme “Kabataang Pilipino: Kabalikat sa Likas Kayang Pangisddaan.” From the 23 entry submissions, top ten finalists were shortlisted, featuring compelling messages that captured the urgency of protecting the region’s rich aquatic resources, and the active role the youth can play in driving change.
After more than a decade of the BFAR MuSEAka’s revival, the “Kabataan, Tara Na!” music-video entry of Buenavista National High School bagged the first place, followed by the “Ang Suot Kong Salakot” of Tandag National Science High and “Kabataang Pilipino” of Our Lady of Carmen Academy of Caraga Inc. as second and third placers, respectively. Likewise, the Top 3 winning entries also received plaque of recognition and cash awards worth, Php10,000, Php8,0000, Php6,000 respectively. Santiago National High School also won the People’s Choice Award for garnering the highest total of online votes.
OIC-FMRED chief Edgardo P. Balambao underscored that the BFAR MuSEAkA is part of Regional Bureau’s broader campaign to engage communities in protecting and preserving the region’s rich aquatic resources through creative expression.
“With the contest, DA-BFAR Caraga hopes to spark creativity and passion for marine conservation while empowering the youth to take an active role in promoting the sustainable use of aquatic resources,” Balambao added.
The said music-videos will be featured in future outreach programs, training and extension services and educational campaigns of the Regional Bureau, further amplifying the youth’s message to the wider community.
DA-BFAR Caraga extends its heartfelt thanks to all participating schools for their creativity, dedication, and commitment to raising awareness about marine conservation. The Bureau remains committed to empowering the youth and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship that will protect the region’s marine resources for generations to come.
What’s next for baywide management alliances?
In a passionate speech delivered during the closing ceremony, Atty. Leoderico Avila Jr., executive director of Lanuza Bay Development Alliance (LBDA), underscored the need to recognize and elevate the status of the fisheries sector, urging stakeholders to treat fisherfolk not as the most neglected members of society but as key contributors to the nation’s survival.
“The [BFAR MuSEAka] presentations we witnessed today are not just insightful—they are inspiring and awakening. They remind us that the fisheries sector is not an ordinary industry. We must dignify our fisherfolk, ensuring that they are no longer overlooked,” Avila said, encouraging the youth to be proud of their fisherfolk parents.
Atty. Avila emphasized the crucial role that the fisheries sector plays in human survival, stating that the protein needed for nourishment primarily comes from coastal resources.
“Without us in the fishery sector, no man would survive more than 80 years. Fishing should not be seen as a mere occupation—it is a profession, and our fisherfolk are the backbone of society,” Atty. Avila added.
Atty. Avila also highlighted the importance of alliances in advancing the fisheries sector.
“Alliance is a management strategy to accelerate growth among member municipalities. But let us not stop at forming alliances—let’s elevate these to authorities that will drive progress in both fisheries and environmental concerns,” the Caraganon environmental lawyer said.
Atty. Avila proposed that the Caraga region be transformed into a model of alliance-authority in the country, becoming a hub for scientific, technical, and legal discussions that will drive innovation and policy-making.
“If we believe in innovation and invention, let’s make Caraga a venue for study, and let’s start creating history today,” Atty. Avila added.
He also acknowledged the role of the youth in advancing the cause.
“This is just the beginning. Our youth will be the evangelizers of the efforts we make today, ensuring that our work does not stop but continues to grow. What we are doing today is a noble cause, one that must be exemplified not just in our region but across the entire nation,” the LBDA executive director noted.
In closing, Atty. Avila reflected on the deeper meaning of their efforts, stating, “The things in life that matter are not material possessions, but achievements, goodness, and nobility. What we are doing today is a noble cause that must be shared with the world.” (Andy T. Ordoña, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga)
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