by Rollin Dave Ellorin

MACABALAN, Cagayan de Oro City – To better address the evolving needs of consumers, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry – Region 10 (DTI-10), recently staged the Consumers Network 3rd Quarter Meeting at the agency’s compound in this city.

Around 13 key partners from various national government agencies (NGA) in Northern Mindanao convened to discuss vital consumer-related issues and initiatives, aiming to improve consumer protection policies and create collaboration between agencies to better serve the community.

The activity also serves as an avenue to address concerns related to the bureau’s programs, projects, and activities for its beneficiaries.

BFAR-10 Regional Director Edward B. Yasay welcomed the participants and expressed the office’s enthusiasm for hosting the event, highlighting its economic significance.

“I hope that we will achieve this gathering’s objective through collaboration as we promote the general welfare of our consumers,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Atty. Fel Lester G. Brillantes from DTI-10 stressed the importance of a robust network to streamline consumer services.

“Building strong inter-agency communication is crucial to ensure that various programs are efficiently tailored to meet consumer needs,” Brillantes said.

During the meeting, Daniel Jhon J. Tagarda of BFAR-10’s Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Services (FIQS) discussed the current state and regulatory updates concerning local transport permits, which are critical for ensuring efficient and compliant transport of goods.

A representative from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) provided a comprehensive overview of the Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Act (RA No. 11976), also known as the “Ease of Paying Taxes Act,” that aims to simplify the tax payment process by introducing new e-services designed to enhance taxpayer convenience.

Likewise, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) presented the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani program, which honors civilian public servants who lost their lives in the line of duty or while fulfilling their responsibilities.

Additionally, Lea L. Bucog from BFAR-10’s Post Harvest and Marketing Section (PHMS) showed the participants how to debone milkfish as part of a practical demonstration aimed at enhancing value-added processing skills among local fishery stakeholders.

The bureau also showcased a variety of fishery value-added products and fresh catch in support to its local fisherfolk in effectively marketing their produce to the consumers.
The Next Consumer Network Meeting will be held in October this year at the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Conference Room in Cagayan de Oro City. (RDE//BFAR-10)