The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga officially welcomed its newly installed regional fisherfolk director, Mahalie B. Robantes, during the kick-off ceremony of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month celebration held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the DA-BFAR Regional Fisherfolk Training Center in Butuan City.

Anchored on the theme: “Pilipinong Mangingisda: Buhay na Bayani sa Bagong Pilipinas”, the regional fisherfolk directorship program stands as one of the key highlights of the month-long celebration, with the theme “Makabagong Magsasaka at Mangingisda, Susi sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.”

Regional director Omnia B. Olama, in her welcome message, expressed appreciation for the vital role of fisherfolk in the continuous growth of the fisheries industry and the nation’s development.

“You are our true heroes who work quietly and sacrifice to ensure sufficient and nutritious food for every Filipino family,” RD Olama said.

RD Olama likewise congratulated RFD Robantes for being elected as the 2025 Mangingisdang Direktor, making him the 20th Regional Fisherfolk Director in the Caraga region.

“I hope that with the RFD program, this will improve the partnership between the government and the fishing communities,” RD Olama added.

Training specialist II Jenalyn D. Espina provided an overview of the RFD Program, noting that it aims to promote fisherfolk empowerment and strengthen their involvement as government partners in the conservation, protection, and management of the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources.

In his acceptance message, RFD Robantes pledged his commitment and dedication to effectively serve the fisherfolk sector throughout his directorship.

Regional FARMC program coordinator and training division chief Anna Melissa M. Talavera emphasized the role of the RFD as direct liaison between the fisherfolk communities and DA-BFAR.

DA-BFAR key officials and members of the management committee, together with Tagana-an municipal agriculturist Myra Messaiah C. Estobo and staff, and some former regional fisherfolk directors and fisherfolk leaders witnessed the ceremonial installation of RFD Robantes.

RFD Robantes currently serves as the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) chairperson in the municipality of Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte, and as the Provincial Fisherfolk Representative for Surigao del Norte. He also sits as an alternate representative for the municipal fishing sector on the Fisheries Management Area (FMA)-8 Management Board, and remains an active member of the community’s Bantay Dagat law enforcement group. Throughout his service, Robantes has consistently participated in various trainings and workshops on aquaculture, fisheries laws, and management.

For the entire month of May, RFD Robantes will sit as the Regional Director to gain firsthand experience in the agency’s operations, and to oversee the development and implementation of programs and initiatives aimed at supporting the fisherfolk and ensuring the sustainable development of the fisheries industry.

#BuwanNgMagsasakaAtMangingisda#TagapagtaguyodNgMalinisAtMasaganangKaragatan #MasaganangAgrikulturaMaunladNaEkonomiya #BagongPilipinas