Heralding a new era of progress and collaboration in the realm of fisheries management, Mr. Cyrill Pallado was formally installed as the RFD for the year 2023.

Mr. Cyril Pallado, a man of the sea himself, is a fisherfolk leader chosen by his community to champion them by previously serving as the BFARMC of their local barangay, and now as the City FARMC Chairman of Tacloban. Being a fisherman himself, he knows of the bounties and, at times, the uncertainties of venturing into the sea as a primary means of providing for his family.

“Bilang isang ordinaryong mangingisda naranasan ko ang hirap at ang walang kasiguruhan ng pamumuhay na ito. Sa tuwing ako ay pupunta ng laot hindi ko alam kung ano ang aking madadatnan at hindi ko rin alam kung makakauwi pa ba ko.” Recounts RFD Pallado as he recalls his experiences out on the sea. Hence, as he puts forth the hope and aspirations of the fisherfolk communities he also brings with him an unwavering passion for the preservation, protection, and the sustainable use of our marine bounties.

Supporting the newly minted RFD, Regional Director Hannibal Chavez expressed his gratitude and eagerness for the new partnership stating, “Sana ay sa loob ng iyong pag-upo bilang katawan at tagapagsalita ng ating mga mangingisda sa Silangang Bisayas, ay matulungan mo po kami kung papaano mas mapapabuti at mas mai-aakma sa pangangailangan ng ating mga magigiting na mangingisda ang mga programa at proyekto na mayroon ang ating Kagawaran.”

As the Regional Fisherfolk Director, RFD Pallado assumes a vital position in overseeing and implementing policies that enhance fisheries management, protecting marine ecosystems, and promoting the socio-economic well-being of fisherfolk communities. His primary responsibilities include policy development and implementation, promotion of sustainable fishing practices, fostering fruitful collaboration and partnerships with the various stakeholders of the Bureau, and most importantly empowering the region’s Fisherfolk Communities.

The new RFD assumes his role not without a range of challenges demanding his immediate attention. These include climate change impacts, illegal fishing activities, habitat destruction, and the need to balance conservation efforts with the economic needs of coastal communities. Despite this, RFD Pallado is confident that he can meet these threats plaguing the sector head on.

“Bilang isang mangingisdang director alam ko po na mabigat ang responsibilidad na nakaatang sa aking mga balikat lalo na at dala ko po ang pangalan ng aking kapwa mangingisda at ng kagawaran. Bilang mangingisdang director buong puso kong tinatanggap ang hamon upang maging tulay para mapalapit ang pamahalaan sa mga kapwa ko mangingisda.” Declares our RFD as he lays out plans to tackle these challenges and create a path towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

The installation of Mr. Cyril Pallado as the Regional Fisherfolk Director for 2023 marks an important chapter in the journey towards sustainable fisheries management and the well-being of coastal communities. With a new RFD at the helm, the region is poised to achieve greater milestones in safeguarding marine ecosystems, promoting responsible fishing practices, and ensuring the sustainable development of coastal communities.