Tuguegarao City, Cagayan — A new wave of aspiring fisheries professionals has officially embarked on their academic journey under the Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP) of the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 2 (DA-BFAR 2), following an orientation and contract signing held from June 9 to 13, 2025 across the provincial fishery offices of Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Cagayan.

Twenty-six scholars were welcomed as recipients of full college scholarships covering the Academic Year 2025-2029. These deserving students were selected after successfully passing the FSP National Qualifying Examination in October 2024. The scholarship package includes a monthly stipend of ₱5,000, along with various academic and logistical allowances throughout the duration of the program.

DA-BFAR 2 Regional Director Dr. Angel Encarnacion, an alumnus of the FSP himself, highlighted the transformative impact of the program and challenged the incoming scholars to embrace the opportunity to become the future stewards of the country’s fisheries sector.

“This scholarship is not just financial assistance—it is an investment in your potential and in the future of Philippine fisheries,” Dr. Encarnacion emphasized.

The orientation also featured inspiring testimonials from FSP alumni including Mr. Jerry Lozano, Ms. Krya Romero, Ms. Crisabel Cristobal and Dr. Quirino Pascua. Each shared their personal journey and how the FSP opened doors to academic and professional success, underscoring the life-changing impact of the program.

Facilitating the event were Dr. Emma L. Ballad, the Regional FSP Focal Person; Ms. Lilibeth Adriosula, Alternate FSP Focal; and the Provincial Fishery Officers and staff from the participating provinces.

Of the 26 new scholars, three were awarded under the Fisheries Industry Leader Grant (FILG), 20 under the Fisherfolk Children Educational Grant (FCEG), and three under the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (FSP-ICCs/IPs) grant. They will join the existing 63 scholars currently supported by DA-BFAR 2.

Now in its 16th batch for FCEG, 29th for FILG, and 5th for FSP-ICCs/IPs, the Fisheries Scholarship Program continues to uphold its mission to uplift marginalized communities and cultivate a new generation of fisheries professionals through accessible education.

As these scholars begin their academic pursuits, DA-BFAR 2 reaffirms its commitment to nurturing talent, supporting youth development, and ensuring a resilient and sustainable fisheries industry for the region and the nation.