by: Patricia Aisabelle Rosales

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) officially launched the celebration of National Women’s Month on March 2, 2026 at the Regional Fisherfolk Training Center with the theme “Lead like the Babylans, Filipinas! “ to recognize the vital role of women especially in the fisheries sector.

The activity began with a Holy Mass, followed by the opening program that marked the start of the month-long celebration highlighting women’s contributions to fisheries development and community building through the audio-visual presentation.

In his message, BFAR-10 Regional Director Edward B. Yasay emphasized the enduring spirit of leadership among women in the sector, drawing inspiration from the wisdom and courage of the Babaylans.

“Today, we recognize the same spirit that lives in the women in fisheries—not only in our office but across the sectors we serve. Women lead with the same balance and foresight as the Babaylans, ensuring that our aquatic resources remain abundant and communities remain strong,” Yasay said.

He added that the celebration reflects BFAR-10’s commitment to addressing key challenges faced by the fisheries sector, particularly poverty and food and nutrition security.

“This celebration is our commitment to the fisheries sector, especially in resolving concerns on poverty and food and nutrition security—not only for fisheries communities but for the whole Philippines,” he added.

As part of the launch, BFAR-10 also hosted an Aqua Trade Fair that featured fresh seafoods and other locally produced fishery products, providing an opportunity for fisherfolk and women stakeholders to showcase and sell their products.

The program also featured a lecture by Sarah Jane F. Behiga on “Care Work: Making the Invisible Visible,” which highlighted the often-overlooked role of women to both paid and unpaid care work in society. Behiga discussed how caregiving responsibilities are traditionally associated with women and emphasized the importance of recognizing the economic value of such work through proper documentation, including records, contracts, and accounting systems.

In the afternoon, BFAR personnel participated in the “She Leads and We Learn” Women’s Month Quiz Bee, which encouraged greater awareness and appreciation of gender-related issues and the contributions of women in society.

The Bureau has also lined up a series of activities across the region in celebration of Women’s Month. These include sports and wellness activities every Friday, featuring Zumba dance sessions that aim to promote health, wellness, and camaraderie among personnel.

A Women of Impact photo contest also, themed “Women of Impact: A History Exhibit Featuring Women Who Move the World” will also be conducted to showcase inspiring stories of women in the fisheries sector.

In addition, the Provincial Fisheries Offices (PFOs) will hold “Empowering Women Information and Action” activities across Northern Mindanao—scheduled on March 13 in Misamis Occidental, March 17 in Lanao del Norte, March 20 in Camiguin, March 24 in Misamis Oriental, and March 27 in Bukidnon.

The celebration constitutes the continuing initiatives of the Bureau to recognize the important role of women in fisheries development and to promote their active participation in programs that support sustainable fisheries, food security, and stronger coastal communities across Northern Mindanao.