Villa Flora M. Rosos

LIBERTAD, Misamis Oriental — As the town  marked its 62nd founding anniversary and celebrated the vibrant Barongoy Festival, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10) brought more than just festivities to the coastal municipality. Through its Provincial Fisheries Office in Misamis Oriental, BFAR-10 spearheaded a three-day event from July 10 to 12, 2025, which aimed at supporting and uplifting local fisherfolk enterprises.

The celebration kicked off on July 10 with a hands-on Packaging and Labeling Orientation for fisherfolk who previously ventured into value-added fishery products like the Flying Fish Lamayo. Led by Ms. Mary Joy A. Tac-an, Officer-in-Charge of BFAR-10’s Post-Harvest and Marketing Section, the training was designed to enhance the participants’ capacity to improve product presentation, adhere to food labeling regulations, and boost market competitiveness.

A total of 40 participants, representing 8 organized fisherfolk associations in Libertad— and these associations were Sta. Cruz Fisherfolk Association, Samahan ng Mananagat sa Snowland, and Petablo Women’s Association—engaged in both lectures and practical exercises that aimed to turn their humble fish products into market-ready goods.

The momentum continued on July 11, as BFAR-10 showcased various products from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the region. The product exhibit served not only as a platform for visibility and market linkage but also as a celebration of local creativity and resourcefulness in fisheries. Alongside the display, BFAR-10 also distributed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to visitors and stakeholders, reinforcing its advocacy for informed and sustainable fisheries management.

On July 12, 2025 during the main day of the Barongoy Festival, locals and visitors gathered to witness a rich display of cultural pride through the much-anticipated “Sugba sa Barongoy” and the “Best Barongoy Kinilaw Contest.” These culinary competitions paid homage to the town’s iconic flying fish—barongoy—which continues to play a significant role in Libertad’s identity and economy.

Beyond commemorating Libertad’s cultural traditions, the three-day initiative led by BFAR-10 became a powerful showcase of how innovation, grassroots participation, and sustainable resource use can uplift fishing communities. Far from being just a celebration, the event served as a catalyst for livelihood enhancement and community pride—embodying BFAR-10’s ongoing mission to provide equal opportunities for all and promote resilience in the fisheries sector across Northern Mindanao.