BFAR Negros Island Region

𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝗡𝗜𝗥 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝘂𝗺 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘀

Two scholars of the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Negros Island Region and Region 6 (DA-BFAR NIR and R6) from the College of Fisheries of Carlos Hilado Memorial State University were recognized as Cum Laude during the university’s Recognition Ceremony held on June 4, 2026, at the CHMSU Covered Court in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

The awardees, Ms. Rhay Ann Jane R. Dulana and Mr. Josh Daniel P. Nombre, both graduating fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Fisheries students and BFAR scholars, were honored for their outstanding academic performance and dedication to excellence. As recognition of their achievement, each scholar received a plaque, a certificate of recognition, and ₱20,000 cash incentives.

Representing DA-BFAR NIR, Mr. Lydio B. Antiqueña, Aquacultural Technologist and staff under the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division (RFTFCD), together with Mr. Jackery Torib, Aquacultural Technologist, led the awarding of the certificates, plaques, and cash incentives to the scholars. Also present during the ceremony was Dr. Imee R. Perante, Dean of the College of Fisheries, who joined in recognizing the academic accomplishments of the awardees.

This recognition activity was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 6 and DA-BFAR Negros Island Region, strengthening support for fisheries scholars and academic excellence in the region.

The recognition of Ms. Dulana and Mr. Nombre reflects the success of the DA-BFAR Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP) in nurturing future fisheries professionals and leaders. Through the continued support of the Bureau, scholars are empowered to pursue higher education and contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of the fisheries and aquatic resources sector.

DA-BFAR extends its warmest congratulations to Ms. Rhay Ann Jane R. Dulana and Mr. Josh Daniel P. Nombre for this remarkable achievement. May their success inspire fellow scholars to strive for excellence and uphold the values of dedication, leadership, and service.

𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬! 🪝💙

No filters needed when you’re this naturally salty and sweet!😜 Celebrating our coastal heroes in Dumaguete City with a side of photogenic fun. Check out the best catches of the day! 👇

Drop a 👍 if you spot yourself in the net!

𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟯 𝗺𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗵

Kumod sang mga nagpa-utang...

𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮 | 𝗔𝗻𝗼 𝗶𝘁𝗼??? 🤣

Tanong ng mga empleyado sa Negros tuwing katapusan or kensinas...

𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟭 𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻 | Anong isda ang magkatulad ang local name sa Hiligaynon at Bisaya? 🤔

𝑴𝑶𝑨 𝑺𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆 𝑺𝒘𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒓𝒂𝒃 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒍𝒂

MANAPLA, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – A significant milestone was achieved in the implementation of the Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) Adopt-a-Village Program as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Negros Island Region (BFAR-NIR) represented by its OIC Regional Director Rene B Parreño, the Local Government Unit of Manapla represented by Mayor Mikaela Socorro L. Escalante, Shoreline Phils. Crab, Inc. (SCPI) represented by its President Mr. Graciano Callado, and the Tortosa Pumpboat Association (TPA) represented by their Chairperson Mr. Richard B. Aquino, formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen collaboration for the sustainable development of the blue swimming crab industry in Barangay Tortosa, Manapla.

The partnership aims to transform Brgy. Tortosa into a model Blue Swimming Crab village by promoting responsible fishing practices, strengthening food safety and traceability systems, improving post-harvest handling and processing, and enhancing the socio-economic condition of local fisherfolk and their families.

Under the agreement, BFAR-NIR will provide technical assistance, capacity-building activities, and project interventions to support the implementation of the Adopt-a-Village Program. The LGU of Manapla will facilitate local policy support, zoning, permits, and coordination with stakeholders. Meanwhile, the Tortosa Pumpboat Fishers Association will actively participate in program implementation, operate and maintain its crab picking facility, and comply with food safety, traceability, and sustainable fishing requirements. Shoreline Phils. Crab, Inc., one of Negros Occidental’s leading crab meat exporters, committed to supporting facility improvements and providing industry-based technical guidance and training.

The MOA signing highlights the importance of public-private-community partnerships in addressing the challenges faced by the blue swimming crab industry, including declining crab stocks, market competitiveness, and compliance with international sustainability standards.

Through this collaboration, the partners envision establishing a thriving BSC Model Village where fishers voluntarily comply with fisheries regulations, adopt sustainable fishing practices, and contribute to the long-term conservation of blue swimming crab resources in the Visayan Sea.

The Adopt-a-Village Program is one of the key strategies under the Blue Swimming Crab National Management Plan and serves as a platform for empowering fishing communities while ensuring the sustainability of one of the country's most valuable fisheries resources.

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐥𝐚, 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐬 𝐎𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥

A basic orientation on Fishery Laws for Municipal Fisherfolks, LGU Bantay Dagat Members, and FARMC was successfully conducted in the Municipality of Manapla.

In line with the nationwide celebration of Farmers and Fisherfolks Month, this timely initiative was spearheaded by the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division (RFTFCD), in close coordination with the Fisheries Management, Regulatory and Enforcement Division (FMRED) and LGU Manapla.

Through this orientation, our local fishers, and Bantay Dagat enforcement team are better equipped with the legal knowledge needed to combat illegal fishing and manage our coastal resources sustainably.

𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑-𝐍𝐈𝐑 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐤'𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 Culminates Farmers and Fisherfolk Month Celebration in Dumaguete City

As the culminating activity of the month-long celebration of Farmers and Fisherfolk Month, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Negros Island Region (BFAR-NIR) successfully hosted the Fisherfolk Day Celebration on May 28 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, bringing together fisherfolk, local leaders, and partner agencies for a meaningful day of learning, recognition, and community service.

The one-day activity featured a series of services and information campaigns aimed at supporting the welfare and livelihood of fisherfolk communities in Negros Oriental. Activities included a lecture series and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) caravan, free medical consultations and medicines, and free haircut services for fisherfolk attendees.

Through the support of partner agencies and private companies namely the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental, City Government of Dumaguete City, Department of Health – NIR (DOH-NIR), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Maritime Police, 11th Infantry (Lapu-Lapu) Battalion Alpha Company of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), and Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines Corporation (CPFPC), the activity successfully served 37 fisherfolk through free haircut services, 58 fisherfolk through free medical consultations and medicines, and 150 fisherfolk participants during the event.

In the opening program, Barangay Captain Ronaldo Ejera of Brgy. Calindagan welcomed the participants and acknowledged the efforts of BFAR-NIR and partner agencies in bringing government services closer to fisherfolk communities. This was followed by a message from Mr. Agustin Percides, representative of the City Mayor of Dumaguete. Meanwhile, 2nd District Board Member Woodrow Maquiling Sr. emphasized the growing potential of the seaweed industry in Negros Oriental and encouraged fisherfolk to explore additional livelihood opportunities in aquaculture.

The event was further graced by Governor Manuel Sagarbarria, who expressed his concern over the challenges currently faced by fisherfolk, particularly the increasing fuel costs affecting fishing operations. He reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to continue supporting programs and initiatives that will improve fisherfolk livelihoods, strengthen food security, and promote sustainable fisheries development in the province.

For his part, Regional Fisheries Director Rico F. Opiar shared his inspiring journey before becoming the first Regional Director of BFAR-NIR. He encouraged fisherfolk organizations to remain united, proactive, and participative in community development efforts to uplift the fisheries sector.

Partner agencies also conducted IEC presentations on various government services available to fisherfolk communities, including PCIC’s insurance programs, PCG’s eSumbong and iCare initiatives, fishery law compliance and licensing orientation from the Maritime Police, and BFAR programs and services. A special recognition activity was likewise conducted in honor of Regional Fisheries Director Rico F. Opiar for his unwavering support and significant contributions to the fisheries sector.

The celebration highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in advancing fisherfolk welfare and reaffirmed BFAR-NIR’s commitment to empowering coastal communities through sustainable fisheries development, accessible government services, and strengthened partnerships.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐨𝐰 | The Fisherfolk Day Celebration—culminating activity of 2026 Farmers’ and Fisherfolks’ Month in Brgy. Calindagan, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, today, May 27, 2026.