CITY OF MALOLOS — Province of Bulacan secured a second major fisheries award this month, recognized by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Office 3 (BFAR 3) during the Gawad Parangal sa Mga Kabalikat sa Pangisdaan sa Gitnang Luzon at Mimosa Hilltop in Clark, Pampanga, aligning with the theme, “Pangisdaang Masagana, Sapat na Pagkain sa Bawat Pamilya.”
During an interview to Gigi Carillo, Provincial Agriculturist chief on Friday, the combined celebration of the 62nd Fish Conservation Week and the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month, the event acknowledged Bulacan through its Provincial Agriculture Office and 39 other stakeholders including cooperatives, fisherfolk associations, leaders, government units, national government agencies, non-government organizations, and media partners.
This recognition, according to Carillo, shared with other provinces in the region, affirms Bulacan’s unwavering role in promoting sustainable fisheries, protecting aquatic resources, and supporting the livelihood of fisherfolk not only in Bulacan but across Central Luzon.
On the other hand, BFAR 3 Regional Director Wilfredo M. Cruz said, explaining the importance of the ceremony’s theme.
“Higit pa sa pagbibigay ng karangalan, ang Gawad Pagkilala ay sumisimbolo ng pagkakaisa at sama-samang pagkilos ng iba’t ibang sektor tungo sa mas masaganang pangingisda. Isa rin itong paalala na ang pangangalaga sa karagatan, ilog, lawa, at iba pang yamang-tubig ay may tuwirang kaugnayan sa seguridad sa pagkain ng bawat Pilipino,” Cruz added.
He also added that this year’s celebration served as an inspiration to continue the advocacy for abundant fishing, enough food on every table, and a brighter future for future generations of Filipinos.
Meanwhile, Governor Daniel R. Fernando commended PAO for its undying and consistent support to the fisheries sector in the province.
“Una, binabati ko ang ating Provincial Agriculture Office o PAO para sa hindi matatawaran nilang suporta at tulong para sa mga mangingisda ng ating lalawigan. Dahil sa tulong ninyo, patuloy na nagniningning ang pangisdaan sa atin. At sa ating mga kababayang mangingisda, asahan ninyong patuloy na nakasuporta ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan at magbibigay ng mga programang higit na magpapaunlad sa inyong sektor,” Fernando said. (UnliNews Online)
