BUTUAN CITY — After more than three decades of dedicated service to the fisheries sector, retiring senior aquaculturist Edgardo P. Balambao, the outgoing officer-in-charge of the Fisheries Management Regulatory and Enforcement Division (FMRED), left colleagues with a message not of goodbye, but of purpose, compassion, and continued commitment to the communities they serve.

During his retirement ceremony on Monday, June 15, Balambao reflected on his 36 years in government service, expressing gratitude to the people who walked alongside him throughout his journey.

“More than half of my life, nagserbisyo ko sa fisheries sector,” he shared. “Despite all the formidable challenges, I am grateful that I have reached this far.”

Known to many simply as “Sir Ed” or “EPB,” Balambao’s career was marked by his unrelenting dedication to improving the lives of fisherfolk and coastal communities across the region. As he formally stepped away from public service, he reminded his fellow colleagues of the true essence of their mission.

“Sa mga project implementers, itanom sa inyong kasing-kasing nga ang atong mga proyekto kinahanglan makahimo ug makadugang og kinitaan alang sa atong mga benepisyaryo,” Balambao emphasized.

His message resonated deeply among colleagues, underscoring a leadership philosophy grounded not merely in project implementation but in genuine care for the people behind every statistic and accomplishment report.

Earlier in the program, regional director Omnia B. Olama paid tribute to Balambao’s steadfast support and leadership. She recalled her early days as Regional Director, sharing how Balambao warmly embraced her leadership and became one of her strongest allies in steering the organization through transitions and challenges.

As he looked back on his long career, Sir Ed also spoke about retirement—not as an ending, but as a well-earned season of fulfillment.

“Retirement is waking up with peace in the heart and no worries to have,” he reflected. “You spend your youth building a future; retirement is living the future you have built.”

He described retirement as a time to cherish loved ones, discover new joys, and finally enjoy the fruits of decades of hard work and sacrifice.

Despite leaving government service, Balambao assured colleagues that he departs carrying profound gratitude.

“Moretire ko, magdisengage nako sa serbisyo sa gobyerno nga nagbalon og labihan kadako nga kalipay tungod sa inyong suporta nga gipakita sa akong pagpangalagad. Daghan kaayong salamat,” Balambao stressed.

He also shared that throughout his years in public service, faith remained his anchor.

“With strong faith in God, nothing is impossible,” he said.

As the ceremony concluded, emotions filled the room as colleagues, friends, and family honored a man whose legacy was built not only through programs and projects but through mentorship, humility, and genuine concern for others.

While Sir Ed’s government service has come to a close, the values he leaves behind—service with compassion, dedication to community welfare, and faith-driven leadership—will continue to guide the men and women of DA-BFAR Caraga for years to come.

Indeed, after a lifetime spent serving others, Sir EPB now begins a new chapter—one anchored in peace, gratitude, and the enduring legacy of a life well lived. (Andy T. Ordoña, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga)