Baguio City— The Regional Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Unit Officers of DA-BFAR 2 attended the National Training Workshop on Quarantine Activities and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures for the Exportation, Importation, and Local Transport of Live Aquatic Animals, and Fish and Fishery Products on June 9 to 13, 2025, at the BFAR-CAR Regional Office in Guisad, Baguio City, the workshop aimed to capacitate fisheries quarantine officers and refresh their knowledge with new and updated learnings essential to their role in protecting aquatic animal health, and ensuring compliance with trade and biosecurity standards.

The workshop covered legal frameworks, the roles and responsibilities of fisheries quarantine officers, and current regulations on the trade and transport of live aquatic animals. Training also included proper fish handling techniques, the application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles, the identification of Philippine regulated and prohibited aquatic species, documentation protocols for non-compliant goods, and ethical standards for public officials and employees under Republic Act No. 6713.

The fisheries quarantine officers equipped with updated knowledge and skills, ensuring they are well-prepared to perform their duties in line with evolving national and international standards. Participants undertook a post-test covering the week’s series of lectures, with Mr. Joefrey F. Usigan of BFAR Region 2 emerging as the top scorer.

The training convened fisheries quarantine officers and technical personnel from the Luzon Cluster, with participants representing BFAR Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, and CAR facilitated by the FIQD Central Office Staff. ( J. Usigan, RFIQU)