TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — “The DA declared the month of May as Farmers and Fisherfolk Month to recognize the efforts of farmers and fisherfolk who tirelessly toil our land and seas to ensure that we have ample food to eat, ”said Regional Director Angel B. Encarnacion in his welcome message during the kick-off ceremony on May 2, 2023, for this year’s celebration.

Anchored on the theme “Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya”, said occasion started with a Fun Walk around the Regional Government Center and followed by a Eucharistic Celebration and an Opening Program at the MIS Hall.

To highlight the celebration, an Ivatan Fisherfolk was installed as this year’s “Mangingisdang Direktor” in the person of Rogelio G. Doplito, 52, and a resident of Basco, Batanes.

As a tradition since 2005, the Bureau designates a “Mangingisdang Direktor to “further dramatize and popularize fisherfolk empowerment and participation as government partners and draw awareness on the vital role of farmers and fisherfolk as backbone in the government’s poverty alleviation program.”

Meantime, outgoing Fisherfolk Regional Direktor Rodolfo Medrano, who hails from Isabela province, briefly recalled his experiences during his stint with the Bureau as FRD. “ Binigay kona ang key of responsibilities, kung kaya , ating gampanan at suportahan ang mga aktibidiad ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ,“ Medrano said.

Further, Encarnacion also recognized the Philippine Coastguard (officers and crew of the DA-MMOV 5002 and DA-BFAR MMOV 5001, headed by Captain Ivan E. Roldan) for their relentless support to the Fisheries Bureau in its law enforcement endeavors to curb illegal fishing activities along Philippine Waters in Region 02.

Said event was attended by, members of the PCG headed by Lieutenant Commander Mark S. Adrias (Commanding Officer, DA –BFAR MMOV 5002), Fisherfolk leaders, Provincial Fishery Offices of Cagayan, Batanes, Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya, DA-BFAR 2 staff and other guests. ###