DA-BFAR 2 Regional Director Angel Balisi Encarnacion graced the 1st Baybay Festival of the municipality of Buguey, Cagayan on February 20, 2025.

Dir. Encarnacion extended his congratulations to the LGU of Buguey headed by Hon. Licerio M. Antiporda III on the occasion of their 1st Baybay Festival, the first of the four festivals being celebrated by the municipality.

RD Encarnacion said that he shares the same passion and commitment with the LGU  Buguey in promoting the development and management of their agri-fisheries resources.

He stressed three points in his message. First, the festival recognizes the vast fisheries resources of the municipality noting that it serves as one of the major fisheries production area in the province and the region. Second, while the festival calls for a celebration, he emphasized proper conservation and management of these resources. Lastly, the festival is a call for convergence. The development and management of these resources are not only the duty of the LGU but a shared commitment of all stakeholders working together toward a sustainable future for all.

He also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the LGU in support to their  Babuyan Channel Conservation and Management through Assistance to Fisherfolk Research and Regulation for Bulong unas, other marine products and Pandan plant to promote Income Generation and Eco – Tourism dubbed as Oplan BARRBIE.  Under the program, BFAR shall provide technical assistance in the implementation of program, including research, conservation strategies, and fisheries management practices; and provide financial and in-kind support subject to the availability of fund as deemed necessary for training, research, and other technical assistance. (Jesus Marcus Agcaouili, ORD)