MACABALAN, Cagayan de Oro City (June 3) – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10) successfully concluded the CY2025 Farmer’s and Fisherfolk’s Month celebration on May 30, 2025, highlighting a strengthened commitment to supporting and empowering fisherfolk across Northern Mindanao.

Held at the agency’s compound, BFAR-10 Regional Director Edward B. Yasay emphasized BFAR’s consistent recognition, support, and empowerment of the region’s fisherfolk through a series of activities conducted in the month of May.

“Kining kasaulogan dili lang kutob karong buwana, kon dili tibuok tuig atong saulogon ang kalambigitan niini nga sektor sa atong ekonomiya. Sa ingon nga pagsaulog, atong duyogan kini sa kanunay ug padayon nga paningkamot ug pagtinabangay aron makahatag kita ug kaayohan sa atong katilingban,” RD Yasay expressed.

[This celebration does not only take place this month, but all-year round we continue to honor and recognize the vital role of this sector in our economy. This must be accompanied with continuous effort and collaboration to bring progress and enhance the well-being of our communities.]

A ceremonial turnover of the Key of Responsibility also took place, officially passing leadership from the outgoing CY2025 Regional Fisherfolk Director (RFD) to the BFAR Regional Director—symbolizing shared governance and continued partnership in fisheries development.

One of the activity highlights were the RFD Report and the BFAR RD’s Coastal Community Immersion Report. The outgoing RFD Rolando Escarpe reflected on his one-month stewardship of the regional office. He candidly described the role as both “demanding and deeply rewarding,” noting that a director must balance strategic direction with day-to-day decisions that keep programs moving and communities thriving.

“Kini nga higayon dili nato angay kalimtan kay kini naghatag kanato og kahibalo ug kadasig aron kita ma-empower isip mga mangingisda sa tanang umaabot nga katuigan. Dili lang kita magpabiling mangingisda, kundili molambo gayud kita,” he noted

[This experience is something we must not forget, as it has provided us with knowledge and motivation to empower ourselves as fisherfolk for years to come. We should not remain just as fishermen—we must thrive.]

RD Yasay, in his immersion report conveyed his insights, realizations and directions toward promoting fisheries development in the marginalized fisheries sector. His firsthand experience revealed the realities of declining fish stocks resulting in apparent socio-economic challenges faced by our fisherfolk, hence he further urged the agency and stakeholders to collaborate and initiate measures to manage resources. His on-site engagement stirred personal memories of his early days with the Bureau, as a Project Leader for anchovies assessment, about 22 years ago.

The culminating event also showcased fresh and processed products directly from farmers, fisherfolk, and BFAR-assisted micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, and Bukidnon through an agri-aqua fair.

Adding a festive and creative flair to the celebration was the “Fisherfolk Got Talent” competition, which brought together talented fisherfolk from across the region. Team Misamis Oriental emerged as the champion, captivating both the audience and the judges with their performance which depicted the fisherfolk’s traditions and stories.

Moreover, the event recognized outstanding contributions of the stakeholders in sustainable fisheries development through the Gawad Pangisdaan sa Amihanang Mindanaw. Winners were recognized in the following categories:

• Best Community Fish Landing Center (CFLC)
  Grand winner: Lala, Lanao del Norte
  1st runner-up: Sagay, Camiguin
  2nd runner-up: Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental
  3rd runner-up: Alubijid, Misamis Oriental
  
• Best Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC)
  Grand winner: Valencia City, Bukidnon
  1st runner-up: Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental
  2nd runner-up: Catarman, Camiguin
  
• Most Supportive Local Government Units (LGUs)
  Grand winner: Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental
  Consolation Prize: Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental
        Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
        Catarman, Camiguin

Meanwhile, equipment and materials worth ₱413,140 under the Post-Harvest and Marketing Section, and ₱2.5 million under the Development of Salt Industry Project (DSIP), were officially handed over to the fisherfolk beneficiaries. The projects aimed to increase productivity and reduce post-harvest losses. 

Lastly, Mariane M. Abiog, Officer-in-Charge of BFAR-10’s Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division (RFTFCD), expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all fisherfolk and FFM partner stakeholders who made the celebration both meaningful and impactful.

“Let this not be the end, but the beginning of a continuous journey—one built on collaboration, empowerment, and sustainability. Together, let us build a future where our seas remain abundant and our fisherfolk resilient,” she said. ##