Health is Wealth. In a time when the world has been confronted with a deadly pandemic and is recovering from the after-effects of such worldwide calamity, these three words couldn’t be far from the truth.

Still, as we transition into the new normal, the importance of gender awareness and development plays a crucial role in our efforts to move forward and take that step further. Partaking in the attainment of this purpose, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office No. VIII carried out several activities geared to empower every Filipino and produce a positive impact in the communities of our country.

Anchored on the theme “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society”, a medical consultation in partnership with the Department of Health Region VIII medical personnel headed by Dr. Ludina Insigne was conducted in order to ensure that the manpower force of the Bureau is able to perform and accomplish their respective duties in a safe and continuous manner.

The same activity is envisioned to strengthen not just the physical health of BFAR8 personnel but also aimed to fortify their mental health as they face the daily challenges in the field, especially in these times of adversity. This is all for the main goal of being at their best in the protection and conservation of our fisheries and aquatic resources, as well as in rendering genuine public service to fisherfolk beneficiaries and stakeholders.

In the words of Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division (RFTFCD) Chief, Mr. Norberto Berida, “San-o kita mag-empower hit aton mga parupangisda, we have to make sure that we are also empowered and healthy so that we can provide the best service we can offer to our beneficiaries”.

(“Before we empower our fisherfolk, we have we have to make sure that we are also empowered and healthy so that we can provide the best service we can offer to out beneficiaries”)

In addition, as March marks the monthlong National Women’s Month celebration, the Bureau has made it a point to take part in the Purple Wednesdays Advocacy of the Philippine Women’s Commission. Purple as the color that symbolizes justice, loyalty, and a soft yet firm dignity of women, is the color that best represents this important celebration for our brave Filipinas.

Now, BFAR8’s Wednesdays are tinged with the color of purple whether it be on the clothes worn, bags, shoes, and other visible apparel. This only signifies that the Bureau is one in forging gender equality and women empowerment, a commitment that the Bureau will uphold not just for the month of March, but will consistently be at the heart of every service rendered towards accomplishing our mandate, A food secured nation, with prosperous and empowered fisherfolk beneficiaries.