BAGUIO City – In the culmination ceremony of the 61st Fish Conservation Week, anchored on the theme “Sama-sama Tungo sa Maunlad at Likas-kayang Pangisdaan sa Bagong Pilipinas,” held in Quezon City, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) honors local government units (LGUs) for their outstanding contributions to the fisheries sector held in Quezon City last September 20.
BFAR Cordillera was given a spotlight that received a Level 3 Distinguished Award which denotes the highest honor given to BFAR regional offices that have demonstrated exceptional excellence in the implementation of the Fisheries Scholarship Program.
The BFAR Cordillera is among the three BFAR regional offices that were given recognition for their outstanding leadership, exemplary performance, and significant, sustained contributions that have set a benchmark for other regions to follow. With its success stories, best practices, and extra milestones in the conduct of various activities to effectively implement the program, the bureau consistently upheld its dynamic strategies to engage its scholars, especially during COVID-19 times, from being qualified scholars up until they finish their degrees. Hence, producing successful 56 graduate scholars since 2005.
Likewise, the Barangay LGU of Mabatobato in Lamut, Ifugao was the lone awardee for the Gawad Pagkilala in the Cordillera region while the LGUs of Calanasan (Apayao) and La Trinidad (Benguet) received the Gawad Pasasalamat for their invaluable contributions and steadfast dedication to the development and sustainability of the fisheries industry.
Among the remarkable achievements of Mabatobato were their initiatives to establish a fish sanctuary in the Lamut River, the deputation of fish wardens, and a strong will to implement the Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa (BASIL) which promoted effective management and protection of biodiversity and aquatic habitats. In fact, Mabatobato was the first barangay in Lamut who formulate an ordinance for the Establishment of Fish Sanctuary.
The LGUs of Calanasan and La Trinidad were recognized in pursuit of promoting sustainable fisheries management and development in their area of influence. Despite having limited aquaculture areas, they magnified continuous support to empower fisherfolk communities in realizing their full potential through provisions of various livelihood interventions, and capacity-building activities.
The Gawad Parangal sa mga Kabalikat ng Pangisdaan has two categories: the Gawad Pagkilala and the Gawad Pasasalamat which aim to honor partner stakeholders in the management and conservation of fisheries and aquatic resources throughout the value chain including other relevant enabling entities. This has been an annual activity organized as a venue to honor the parallel efforts of various stakeholders in pursuit of more sustainable fisheries and aquatic resources in the Cordillera region. By BFAR-CAR
