By: Elletra F. Maestrado

In celebration of the annual Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month this May, Regional Director Edward B. Yasay immersed himself in the daily routine of a salt farmer in Baybay, Alubijid salt farm. Later in the evening, he spent time in the Bantay Dagat operations in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.

In Alubijid, Director Yasay actively participated in the labor-intensive salt production process, experiencing both the solar drying method and the traditional cooking method of salt production. The immersion gave him a deeper appreciation of the hard work and dedication of local salt farmers in sustaining their livelihood.

While assisting in the solar salt production process, Director Yasay also engaged in meaningful conversations with salt farmers, listening to their concerns and discussing issues affecting the local salt industry, including the low buying price of salt per sack and its impact on their livelihood.

“Naggikan man gihapon ko sa kalisud. Bisan dili man parehas nga pagpanarbaho sa salt farming, nakaagi pud ko og kalisud sa among panginabuhi—kaniadto, nagauban ko sa pagpanglaba aron makatabang. Tungod sa tinguha nga makalingkawas sa kalisud, naningkamot gyud ko pag-ayo aron makaabot kung asa ko karon.”

(I also came from humble beginnings. Although my experience was not the same as salt farming, I, too, faced hardships in life. Before, I helped my mother by doing laundry to support our family. Because of my desire to rise above poverty, I worked hard to achieve where I am today.)

The interaction provided an avenue for direct dialogue between BFAR and stakeholders, strengthening the agency’s commitment to responsive and community-centered interventions. 

In the afternoon, a ceremonial turnover of salt sacks was conducted as part of the agreement between BFAR and the Baybay Loguilo Rural Workers Association in relation to the assistance extended by the agency. Members of the association successfully gathered 80 sacks of salt, weighing 42 kilograms per sack, which will serve as a funding source for the association once sold. The initiative aims to strengthen the sustainability and economic capacity of local salt producers. 

In the evening, Director Yasay continued his immersion by joining the Deputized Fish Wardens of Laguindingan and members of the Enforcement and Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Operation Center (ERMSOC) on a boat patrol within municipal waters. Experiencing firsthand the role of community enforcers in protecting coastal resources, he participated in the implementation of local fisheries regulations.

The patrol operation led to the apprehension of one violator who illegally entered the Marine Protected Area (MPA), an incident personally witnessed by Director Yasay during the surveillance activity. The experience marked the culmination of his immersion, providing him with a deeper understanding of the challenges, responsibilities, and realities faced by fisheries stakeholders and coastal law enforcers. 

The immersion activity served as a meaningful reflection of the challenges experienced by Director Yasay, from enduring the demanding labor of solar salt production in Alubijid to witnessing firsthand the risks and responsibilities of coastal law enforce during the seaborne patrol in Laguindingan. Through these experiences, the activity highlighted BFAR Region 10’s continuing commitment to better understand the realities faced by fisherfolk communities and strengthen responsive, community-centered support through direct engagement and participation.