Showing posts with label Macabalan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Macabalan. Show all posts

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Celebrating the Heart of the Sea: The Successful Conclusion of CY2025 Farmer's and Fisherfolk's Month in Cagayan de Oro City


COURTESY: BFAR 10

In a significant event that underscored the vital role of fisherfolk in the economic landscape of Northern Mindanao, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources โ€“ Region 10 (BFAR-10) concluded the CY2025 Farmerโ€™s and Fisherfolkโ€™s Month on May 30, 2025. This celebration, held at the BFAR-10 compound in Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City, emphasized a steadfast commitment to empowering the region's fisherfolk through various initiatives and activities throughout May. 
A Commitment to Empowerment: Insights and Activities

Regional Director Edward B. Yasay delivered a pivotal message, articulating the agency's ongoing support for the regionโ€™s fisherfolk. โ€œKining kasaulogan dili lang kutob karong buwana, kon dili tibuok tuig atong saulogon ang kalambigitan niini nga sektor sa atong ekonomiya,โ€ he stated, emphasizing that the recognition of fisherfolk's contributions extends beyond this month, aiming for an all-year round celebration. This sentiment resonates deeply with the community, as it signifies a continuous effort to enhance the welfare of fisherfolk and, by extension, their families and communities.
One of the key highlights of the event was the ceremonial turnover of the Key of Responsibility from the outgoing CY2025 Regional Fisherfolk Director (RFD), Rolando Escarpe, to RD Yasay. This symbolic gesture not only marks a transition in leadership but also signifies a shared governance approach toward fisheries development. In his reflections, Escarpe described his month-long tenure as โ€œdemanding and deeply rewarding,โ€ underlining the critical balance between strategic oversight and daily operational decisions that sustain community engagement and program efficacy.
Furthermore, the event featured the RFD Report and BFAR RDโ€™s Coastal Community Immersion Report. Through these reports, Yasay shared insights from his firsthand experiences in the field, revealing the socio-economic challenges faced by fisherfolk due to declining fish stocks. His immersion experience highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to manage resources effectively, ensuring the sustainability of fisheries and the livelihoods that depend on them.
Celebrating Talent and Sustainability: A Festive Culmination

The culmination of the celebration was marked by an agri-aqua fair that showcased fresh and processed products from local farmers, fisherfolk, and BFAR-assisted micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, and Bukidnon. This fair not only provided a platform for local products but also fostered community spirit and engagement among the participants.
Adding a touch of creativity and festivity, the โ€œFisherfolk Got Talentโ€ competition captivated attendees, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the fisherfolk in the region. Team Misamis Oriental emerged victorious, impressing both judges and the audience with a performance that artfully depicted the lives and stories of local fisherfolk. Such events not only entertain but also serve to strengthen community bonds and pride in local traditions.
Recognizing the outstanding contributions of various stakeholders in sustainable fisheries development, the Gawad Pangisdaan sa Amihanang Mindanaw awards were presented. Categories included Best Community Fish Landing Center (CFLC) and Best Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC), among others. This acknowledgment fosters a spirit of healthy competition and collaboration among local government units and community organizations, motivating them to strive for excellence in fisheries management.
Moreover, BFAR-10 officially handed over equipment and materials valued at โ‚ฑ413,140 for post-harvest and marketing initiatives, alongside โ‚ฑ2.5 million for the Development of Salt Industry Project (DSIP). These investments aim to enhance productivity and minimize post-harvest losses, thereby supporting the economic resilience of fisherfolk.
In closing, Mariane M. Abiog, Officer-in-Charge of BFAR-10โ€™s Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division (RFTFCD), expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all involved in making the celebration impactful. She articulated a vision that extends beyond this event, stating, โ€œLet this not be the end, but the beginning of a continuous journeyโ€”one built on collaboration, empowerment, and sustainability.โ€ As the community moves forward, the commitment to nurturing the seas and strengthening the fisherfolkโ€™s resilience remains paramount in building a sustainable future for all.

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