A Journey of Passion and Dedication: The Rise of a Fisheries Graduate to Career Scientist 1
(Dr. Emma L. Ballad Story)
The roles of women in fisheries are often overlooked, and limited records exist documenting their involvement, particularly in leadership positions, both within the corporate sector and in local communities. Despite this, there have been ongoing efforts to recognize women’s significant contributions, especially in areas like scientific research and leadership, where they have demonstrated exceptional skills.
One notable example of such a woman is Dr. Emma L. Ballad, who has made remarkable strides in this field. From her beginnings as a Fisheries Scholar to her current role as Scientist I, Dr. Ballad has steadily advanced through various positions, becoming a servant leader and a game changer, all while breaking barriers with her scientific expertise.
UP CLOSE
Hailing from the bustling city of Tuguegarao is a quiet but determined leader who has made waves in the field of fisheries. Doc Emma as she is fondly called is the story of a fisheries graduate who recently earned the prestigious rank of Career Scientist 1, a testament to her unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to the fisheries sector that put her as the third in the roster of career scientists in the history of the whole Fisheries Bureau.
A true-blooded Cagayana, she fled to Ilo-ilo City, she pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries at the University of the Philippines Visayas, Iloilo campus. Her academic journey was made possible by the Fisheries Scholarship Program of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR). With this support, she excelled in her studies, driven by a deep-seated passion for aquatic life and sustainable fisheries management.
In 2005, her career in public service began when she joined the DA-BFAR Regional Fisheries Training Center in Aparri, Cagayan. From the outset, she distinguished herself through her commitment and diligence, qualities that quickly earned her the respect of her colleagues and superiors. Her soft-spoken demeanor belied a fierce determination to excel in her field.
With her expertise and innate abilities in planning, she was designated as the officer-in-charge of the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of the Bureau’s training arm for Regions 1,2, and CAR from 2005-2015 before it was merge to the regional office.
Throughout her career, she has worn many hats within the Bureau. Her leadership is characterized by leading by example, and she has taken on multiple roles with aplomb. Currently, she serves as the head of the Finance and Administrative Division, where she ensures the smooth operation of financial and administrative tasks. Additionally, she leads the Regional Fisheries Inspection Quarantine Services, safeguarding the quality and safety of fisheries products. Her expertise is also pivotal in the Fisheries Resources Management, where she works on sustainable fisheries practices and resource management as alternate Focal Person for the FMA1.
Her recent conferment as Career Scientist 1 is a recognition of her extensive contributions to the fisheries sector. This rank is not merely a title but a reflection of her scientific acumen, leadership skills, and commitment to the advancement of fisheries management and conservation.
She is a distinguished expert in fisheries resource management and governance, known for her pioneering contributions to sustainable coastal conservation. Her work has been instrumental in guiding local government units on the establishment, operation, and management of marine protected areas. She has advanced sustainable ecotourism, developed financing mechanisms, and highlighted the economic value of coastal resources, benefiting both ecosystems and local communities.
Dr. Ballad champions community-based co-management approaches that integrate science-based policies with active local participation, particularly in designing livelihood projects aligned with conservation goals. Her contributions extend to the conservation and management of freshwater bony fishes and fostering scientific research among students, reflecting her dual commitment to environmental stewardship and education.
Through her efforts, Dr. Ballad has inspired meaningful change in the sustainable management of coastal and freshwater resources.
Her journey from a scholarship recipient to a recognized scientist and leader in the government is an inspiring tale of dedication and excellence. It highlights the impact of passion-driven service and the importance of nurturing talent through educational support and professional development.
For someone who does not rest on her laurels, she embraces life-long learning opportunities by fostering strong collaboration with the academe both local and international not only as a student but also an educator and a mentor.
An alumna of the Kochi University in Japan in her post-graduate studies, she continues to work on research initiatives centered on resource conservation and management along the Kuroshio Triangle where the Philippines is included.
As she continues to lead and innovate in her various roles, she remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scientists and public servants, demonstrating that with passion and perseverance, one can achieve remarkable success in the service of the nation.
