In an effort to sharpen its storytelling and strengthen public engagement, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga conducted a three-day Public Relations and Development Communication (PRDC) Training for select personnel from July 16 to 18, 2025, at the Regional Fisherfolk Training Center in Butuan City.

The capacity-building activity was a collaborative initiative between the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Regional Program Management Support Office and the Regional Fisheries Information Unit, designed to equip participants with the tools to craft inclusive, impactful, and gender-responsive narratives within the fisheries sector.

“We have already delivered numerous positive changes to our fisherfolk; what remains lacking are the stories on the field,” said Rizalinda L. Abing, chief of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division, as she delivered the message of regional director Omnia B. Olama. “Let us transform these results into narratives—stories that inspire and carry meaningful impact.”

Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including the principles of development communication, feature and success story writing, and gender-sensitive journalism.

Aquessa R. Piamonte, chief information officer of the Caraga State University’s Public Information and Communication Office, led sessions on development communication paradigms and the ethics of feature writing. Blending theory with practical exercises, Piamonte challenged participants to write stories that reflect the lived realities of fisherfolk while upholding journalistic integrity.

Meanwhile, Doreen Marielle N. Rosales, information officer II of the Commission on Human Rights – Caraga, highlighted the importance of gender fairness in media. Through interactive role-playing and writing drills, Rosales introduced tools and techniques for integrating gender-fair language into development stories, emphasizing inclusivity and sensitivity in public narratives.

In his closing remarks, regional information officer Andy T. Ordoña stressed the need for a strong and capable communication team to bridge the gap between public service and public awareness.

“Our programs only make a difference if the people know about them, understand them, and see themselves in them. This training is a step toward building a communication team that tells the stories that matter,” Ordoña said, as he also shared upcoming plans to strengthen DA-BFAR Caraga’s communication and branding strategies.

With the success of the PRDC training, DA-BFAR Caraga takes a firm step forward in amplifying the voices of fisherfolk and shaping more inclusive conversations around food security, coastal resilience, and sustainable fisheries. (via RFIU & SAAD PRDC)