by Rollin Dave M. Elloren

CLARK, Pampanga (Dec. 13) — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Program Phase II in Region 10 was honored for its outstanding performance in both physical and financial accomplishments, ranking as the top two performing region in the country for the year 2024, on December 9-12, here.
During the recently concluded BFAR-SAAD National Program Management and Support Office’s (NPMSO) national year-end assessment, Regional Director Edward B. Yasay of BFAR-10, along with his SAAD Regional PMSO staff, received a certificate of recognition for the consistent efforts in implementing key programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of fisherfolk and coastal communities across the region.
Dir. Yasay expressed his gratitude for the award, stating that this recognition is not just for the hard work and dedication of the BFAR-SAAD team and the entire personnel in the region but also for the partnership and support of our local government units, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders.
“I hope this award will serve as an inspiration for the team to enhance its efforts in 2025 and beyond, continuing to empower and uplift communities that rely on fisheries as their primary source of livelihood,” he said.
Meanwhile, BFAR-SAAD’s national Director Ulysses J. Lustria, Jr., commended the exemplary work of all the participating regions, particularly for their successful implementation of the region’s fishery and aquaculture development projects.
The national assessment highlighted the program’s effective management of resources and impactful projects that have directly supported local communities.
Before the awarding ceremony, each Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO) presented its accomplishments, focusing on the four major components of the program: Social Preparation, Food Production and Livelihood, Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development, and Program Management.
The presentations also included discussions on financial utilization, IT Development and Database (IDD), Public Relations and Development Communication (PRDC) initiatives, and the challenges encountered during program implementation.

