In a remarkable showcase of creativity and environmental advocacy, Charles BJ Maaño of the Caraga State University clinched the grand winner title at the FishCoRExhibit: National Mixed-Media Art Competition and bested 10 other regional entries from across the country, in an awarding ceremony held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the GSIS Museo Ng Sining, Pasay City.

Organized by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) through its Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project, the national competition gathered the country’s top young artists and advocates in Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs) 6 & 9 to fuse artistic expression with environmental advocacy, promoting upcycling and environmental awareness through mixed-media art.

Maaño’s winning piece, “Hapag-kainan”, which previously claimed the regional title in Caraga last April, captivated judges and audiences alike with its striking use of recycled materials to highlight the urgent need for sustainable fisheries and responsible stewardship of marine resources.

“This victory is not just for me, but for the entire Caraga region and for our fisherfolk communities whose stories inspired my work,” Maaño said.

“Through art, we can spark conversations and move people to take action for our oceans and coastal communities,” the Caraganon artist added.

As the national winner, Maaño received a Php 40,000 cash prize and national recognition for his artwork.

DA-BFAR Caraga regional director Omnia B. Olama, who witnessed the awarding ceremony together with FishCRRM focal Loida B. Arreglado, expressed pride in Maaño’s work and the growing involvement of youth in environmental advocacy.

“It’s inspiring to witness how our young artists are turning marine conservation issues into powerful narratives through art,” RD Olama shared.

The regional director further assured that the DA-BFAR Caraga will continue to support initiatives to advance youth participation and harness their creative talents in promoting sustainable fisheries management.### (Andy T. Ordoña, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga)

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