Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya — The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 2 (DA-BFAR RO2) officially launched the Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa (BASIL) Project today, July 30, 2025, at Guinamgaman Lake in Brgy. Dulli, Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya. Said project turned over to the Guinamgaman Lake Integrated Development Association (GLIDA), which was named as the local beneficiary and implementing partner.

The launching ceremony was highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between key stakeholders: BFAR Regional Office, Provincial Fishery Office, Provincial and Municipal Government Units, and GLIDA. This formalized the transfer of project stewardship to GLIDA, signifying a shared commitment to sustainable inland fisheries development.

A ceremonial fingerling dispersal followed the signing, marking the project’s core activity of restocking native fish species to enhance fish populations, restore aquatic biodiversity, and boost local livelihoods.

In a parallel effort to strengthen the ecosystem around the lake, stakeholders also participated in a ceremonial planting of fruit-bearing trees along the lakeshore. These trees are expected to contribute to soil stabilization, improve the aquatic habitat, and provide future food sources for the community.

GLIDA Chairman expressed heartfelt gratitude to BFAR and its partners for entrusting them with the initiative, vowing to uphold responsible lake management and support the long-term success of the BASIL Project.

 The event was attended by representatives from the BFAR RO2 led by Atty. Arsenio S. Banares, Chief of the Fisheries Management, Regulatory, and Enforcement Division (FMRED); the Provincial Fishery Office headed by PFO Jay Arre Usquisa; the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) represented by Ms. Jenaiza Lopez; Municipal Councilor Geraldo Lino, Chair of the SB Committee on Agriculture; representatives from the Municipal Agriculture Office and the Mayor’s Office; barangay officials of Dulli; and members of the beneficiary organization, GLIDA.

The BASIL project embodies a whole-of-community approach to rehabilitating inland waters—aiming not only to restore ecological balance but also to empower local communities through sustainable fisheries management.(Evelyn Talla, FMRED)