Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) participated in the 17th Founding Anniversary celebration of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Aparri on March 26,2025.

Ms. Rinaleen C. Asuncion and Mr. Mark Charlan M. Macarubbo, represented the office during the festivities as one of the agency’s commitment in supporting the BOC in its efforts to promote trade facilitation and compliance with customs regulations.

The anniversary celebration, themed “17 years of Commitment: Strengthening Partnership, Advancing Trades and Securing Boarders,” aimed to recognize the BOC Port of Aparri’s contributions to the country’s economic growth and development.

During the event, BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio emphasized the importance of  inter-agency collaboration in promoting trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border security. He also reiterated the importance of strengthening the Coastal and Investigative Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC), a platform for coordination and consultation to close the gaps and make coastals, government agencies and private sectors together.

The BFAR’s participation in the celebration highlights the agency’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to promote economic growth and development, while ensuring the sustainable management of the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources. (R.Asuncion, RFIQU)