Bringing together advocates of fisheries conservation and community development, the 62nd Fish Conservation Week Celebration in Eastern Visayas culminated in the Recognition of Fisheries Conservation Allies on September 19, 2025, at the Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) Center, Tacloban City

Fisheries conservation and fisherfolk empowerment allies from across the region—including academe, Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), Provincial Local Governments, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Fisherfolk Associations (FAs), and fisheries extension workers—were honored during the awarding ceremonies. Among the awardees were the five (5) Outstanding Provincial Agricultural Technicians (ATs) for Fisheries, six (6) Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II Outstanding FA-beneficiaries, and 14 external implementation partners who were recognized for their invaluable contributions.

Honored as external fisheries conservation allies were the Provincial Governments of Leyte and Southern Leyte, Visayas State University (VSU)–Tolosa Campus, Eastern Samar State University (ESSU)–College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) of Samar–Provincial Government of Samar, and the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Maripipi, Laoang, Liloan, Victoria, and Carigara. Also recognized were the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and Fish Forever–Rare, whose steadfast partnership and shared advocacy continue to advance fisheries conservation and fisherfolk empowerment across the region.

“Para makuha natin yung pangisdaan masagana, sapat na isda sa bawat pamilya, we have to explore inland bodies of water. Sa mga fisherfolk, salamat sa inyong suporta, sana yung aquaculture activities, yung pagprotekta natin sa karagatan, hindi tayo malilinlang sa pera,” were the words of motivation and challenge by BFAR 8 OIC, Regional Director Dominador G. Maputol to the honorees.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jenny Lyn R. Almeria, Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Research & Regulations of the DA Regional Field Office 8, underscored the importance of protecting fisheries and aquatic resources and uplifting the lives of fisherfolk as the true pillars of the fisheries sector. “To our fisherfolks, kayo po ang haligi ng ating sektor. Your courage, perseverance, and connection to the sea inspire us every day… We are working not only to increase your catch, but also to improve your quality of life,” she said.

Students from Leyte Normal University’s (LNU) Bachelor of Arts in Communication staged an advocacy theatrical performance that portrayed the life and struggles of fisherfolk, highlighting the challenges faced by coastal communities while also showing the important role of working together in protecting fisheries resources for future generations.

Through the 62nd Fish Conservation Week Celebration, BFAR 8 reaffirmed its commitment to uniting stakeholders in championing sustainable fisheries management, ensuring food security, and securing a better future for the fisherfolk and communities that depend on the abundant bounty of our waters.

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