- Article by: VJSanchez & CMMingo
- Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
In a significant step toward strengthening fisheries management and sectoral collaboration, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) successfully conducted the 1st Regional Forum and Consultation with Fisheries Extension Officers of MIMAROPA on 25-27 March 2025, at Parang Beach Resort, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
The three-day forum brought together Fisheries Extension Officers, LGU representatives, and officials from Provincial and Municipal Agriculture Offices across the region to discuss progressive developments in the fisheries sector, including digital innovation, cooperative development, and multi-stakeholder engagement.
Key officials delivered opening messages of support, including Mr. Roberto R. Abrera, OIC Regional Director of BFAR MIMAROPA; Ms. Christine M. Pine, Provincial Agriculturist of Oriental Mindoro; Engr. Alrizza C. Zubiri, Provincial Agriculturist of Occidental Mindoro; and Dr. Romeo M. Cabungcal, Provincial Agriculturist of Palawan.
Highlights included an extensive presentation by Ms. Hope J. Relayson on BFAR’s extension programs, and a discussion by Mr. Danreb L. Polinag from Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on digital infrastructure and the Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI). The role of NGOs and cooperatives in fisheries development was emphasized by Ms. Joann P. Binondo and Ms. Eva Loraine R. Cataje representative from WWF Philippines and Cooperative Development Authority MIMAROPA, respectively.
Participants also visited the Brackish Freshwater Technology Station in Barcenaga, Naujan and the recently inaugurated BFAR MIMAROPA Regional Office in Sapul, Calapan City, gaining practical insights into fisheries technology and regional operations.
The forum concluded with a pledge of commitment to sustainable fisheries, marking a shared resolve to institutionalize this regional gathering as a platform for continuous collaboration and growth.