by: Patricia Aisabelle Rosales

Celebrating nearly eight decades of dedicated fisheries service while charting a stronger course toward environmental stewardship, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) marked its 79th Founding Anniversary with the theme “Ahensyang Aksyon Agad: One Heart, One Family, One BFAR” on July 1, 2026, highlighted by the official launch of the Malinis at Masaganang Katubigan (MMK) 2.0 program. The event united employees, local government units (LGUs), and partner stakeholders in a shared commitment to cleaner and more sustainable aquatic ecosystems.

The celebration officially commenced with the recognition of BFAR-10 officials and personnel, Local Chief Executives, Municipal Agriculture Officers (MAOs), and partner stakeholders from across Northern Mindanao, highlighting the strong collaboration among national and local partners in advancing sustainable fisheries and aquatic resource management.

In his opening remarks, BFAR-10 Regional Director Edward B. Yasay emphasized that the Bureau’s 79th Founding Anniversary is not only a celebration of its achievements but also a reminder of its continuing commitment to improving public service and creating greater development opportunities for the fisheries sector.

“Today’s celebration not only marks our successes but also reminds us of our continuing commitment to improvement and development opportunities,” Yasay said.

He underscored the importance of upholding the Bureau’s core values of integrity, professionalism, and innovation in responding to the evolving needs of the fisheries sector. He encouraged BFAR personnel to continue doing what is right, strengthen their knowledge and skills, and remain adaptive and resilient in delivering responsive and quality public service to fishing communities.

Highlighting one of the day’s major milestones, Director Yasay described the launch of the Malinis at Masaganang Katubigan (MMK) 2.0 program as a significant step toward a more inclusive approach to aquatic resource conservation. He noted that while the previous implementation successfully mobilized coastal local government units, MMK 2.0 now expands its coverage to include inland waters, strengthening efforts to protect and sustainably manage the country’s aquatic resources.

“This is a holistic approach to safeguarding and improving our aquatic resources throughout the Philippine archipelago,” he added.

The celebration also recognized individuals and operating units that demonstrated excellence and outstanding performance in public service. Among the awardees were Kharlle Lapad, who received the Best Report Officer Award in the Regional Operating Unit category, and Mr. Mark Anthony Navarro, who was recognized as Best Report Officer in the Provincial Fisheries Office category. The Provincial Fisheries Office of Bukidnon was conferred the Best Organizational Unit Award, while the Provincial Fisheries Office of Camiguin received the Cost Economy Measure Award for achieving significant reductions in energy consumption from December 2025 to May 2026.

The celebration also featured an Audio-Visual Presentation (AVP) Contest, where the Fisheries Production Support Services Division (FPSSD) emerged as the Champion, showcasing creativity and teamwork in promoting the Bureau’s programs and initiatives. Meanwhile, the Provincial Fisheries Office of Bukidnon received the People’s Choice Award, reflecting strong audience appreciation for its presentation.

During the afternoon session, the celebration shifted its focus to the official launch of the Malinis at Masaganang Katubigan (MMK) 2.0 program through an orientation attended by representatives from local government units (LGUs) across Northern Mindanao. Serving as the resource speaker, Rosarrie Arreza from the BFAR Central Office presented the rationale, objectives, and implementation timeline of MMK 2.0, highlighting the program’s enhanced strategies for promoting cleaner, healthier, and more productive aquatic ecosystems.

Ms. Arreza also acknowledged the active participation and strong commitment of Northern Mindanao LGUs during the initial implementation of the MMK campaign, noting that their joint undertaking significantly contributed to the program’s success. She encouraged participating LGUs and stakeholders to sustain their partnership with BFAR in implementing MMK 2.0, emphasizing that protecting the country’s aquatic resources is a shared responsibility that requires consistent community participation and cooperative action.

The activity ended with a question-and-answer session, during which participants raised concerns and sought clarifications regarding the MMK 2.0 program. Ms. Arreza responded to the questions raised during the open forum and further elaborated on the program’s objectives and implementation. 

She also said that BFAR-10 will continue to disseminate information on the implementation of MMK 2.0 through its information and education activities and reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to providing technical assistance and working closely with local government units, fisherfolk organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure the program’s effective implementation. (PACR)