The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga celebrated its 78th Founding Anniversary through a commemorative ceremony held on July 1, 2025, at the Regional Fisherfolk Training Center in Butuan City.

In his opening message, officer-in-charge of the Fisheries Management, Regulatory and Enforcement Division Edgardo P. Balambao emphasized the significance of the event in strengthening the Bureau’s mission.

“As we mark the 78th Founding Anniversary of DA-BFAR, we reaffirm our commitment to serve the Caraganon fisherfolk with dedication, compassion, and concrete action. Ahensyang Aksyon Agad must not only be our theme, but must be put in our hearts as a guiding principle in serving the fishery sector,” Balambao remarked.

As part of the celebration, the Regional Bureau awarded plaques and certificates of recognition to outstanding offices and individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the Regional Bureau’s programs and services.

The Provincial Fisheries Office of Dinagat Islands, headed by Bernard Z. Baclayo, and the Kitcharao Technology Outreach Station headed by Laila Holoyohoy were awarded as Top Performing Office for the Calendar Year 2024, citing their exemplary implementation of fisheries initiatives and proactive community engagement. The Provincial Fisheries Office of Surigao del Norte led by Bimbo C. Lagare was also recognized with a Client Satisfaction Award for its commitment to client-focused service delivery.

Meanwhile, Charles BJ Maaño, national winner of the FishCoRExhibit: Raising Awareness on Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (Mixed-Media) Art Competition, was also recognized for his piece “Hapagkainan”, which bested 10 other entries from the Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs) 6 and 9, showcasing artistry that highlights the importance of sustainable fisheries.

DA-BFAR Caraga also recognized its scholar-graduates for their academic excellence. Lee Van Cleff Labsan and Hairyl Ludovice were awarded certificates of recognition for graduating with Latin honors as magna cum laude and cum laude, respectively.

Among the highlights, the Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa (BASIL) Program and the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program were presented with certificates of appreciation for their national recognitions in program implementation. BASIL earned Second Place honors twice—first for its 2024 year-end accomplishments and again for its contribution to fish production in the first semester of CY 2025. These were conferred during major trainings and workshops held at BFAR-NIFTC in Tanay, Rizal. 

SAAD was likewise honored with the Excellence in Collaborative Public Advocacy award and also secured Third Place in the FY 2025 SAAD Phase 2 National Poster Making Contest during the FY 2025 National Information Officers’ Conference held in Mandaue City, Cebu.

The Gender and Development (GAD) Office likewise presented awards to the Provincial Fisheries Offices, the Technology Outreach Stations, and both BASIL and SAAD Programs in recognition of their support and commitment as partners in promoting gender mainstreaming in fisheries programs and services.

Echoing this year’s theme “Ahensyang Aksyon Agad,” regional director Omnia B. Olama emphasized the importance of unity, integrity, and teamwork in achieving the Bureau’s shared goals.

“I look forward to continuing our work together with unity, integrity, and cooperation in all our activities and implementation efforts. When each of us actively participates, we ensure smooth service delivery to our clients and make real progress toward our goals. With our collective dedication, we can strengthen our interventions and help uplift the lives of our fisherfolk,” RD Olama said.

RD Olama also acknowledged the challenges the Regional Bureau has faced and overcome, highlighting the strength of a healthy, passionate, and collaborative workforce. 

“Let this celebration remind us of our shared purpose. We must value our “dungog”—our honor—and we must always work with passion and integrity. Through teamwork and collaboration, we can achieve excellence in DA-BFAR Caraga. Unity is strengthened when we move as one,” RD concluded.