Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – The DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 2 (DA-BFAR 2) officially launched the 62nd Fish Conservation Week on September 16, 2025, with a ceremony held at the Cinema Theater of Robinsons Mall Tuguegarao. The event highlighted themes of recognition, enforcement, and a shared commitment to sustainable fisheries and aquatic stewardship.

In his opening message, Regional Director Angel Encarnacion invoked the spirit of the “season of creation,” calling on all stakeholders to embrace their role as stewards of the environment. He tied this message to this year’s theme, “Pangisdaang Masagana, Sapat na Isda sa Bawat Pamilya”, emphasizing that abundance and food security are achievable only through responsible and sustainable care for natural resources.

Dr. Gwendolyn C. Bambalan, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 2, echoed this sentiment. “Fish conservation is not only about protecting the environment—it’s about securing livelihoods, ensuring food on the table, and safeguarding the future of Filipino families,” she stressed. RED Bambalan also emphasized the urgent need to protect vital ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, and coastal waters, noting that conservation is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of all sectors.

Another highlight of the event was the presentation of a Certificate of Recognition to DA-BFAR 2 under the Performance Management pillar of the PRIME-HRM program of the Civil Service Commission. The award was handed over by Ms. Ma. Noemi Bustamante, Director II of the CSC Cagayan-Batanes Field Office, in recognition of office’s commitment to excellence in human resource management.

In addition, awards were conferred to outstanding partners for their significant contributions to sustainable fisheries management. Honorees included the Municipality of Baggao, Cagayan, Municipality of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, Ja-Ron Fish Farm, and the Samahan ng mga Mangingisda ng La Paz in Quirino. These exemplary partners will represent the Cagayan Valley Region in the upcoming national awarding ceremony, where their conservation efforts will be recognized alongside other fisheries champions across the country.

Enforcement initiatives also took center stage as Mr. Rommel Adolf Diciano led the presentation and decommissioning of confiscated illegal fishing gear, including electrofishing devices—underscoring BFAR’s firm commitment to combatting destructive fishing practices.

To reinforce this dedication, stakeholders took part in the renewal of their Oath of Commitment to Fisheries Protection, administered by Atty. Roderick Revilloza. The program concluded with Atty. Arsenio Bañares, Chief of the Fisheries Management, Regulatory and Enforcement Division (FMRED), calling for strengthened collaboration among government agencies, local communities, and stakeholders in advancing the cause of conservation.