16/09/2026
Sustaining the Catch: Ramon, Isabela joins BFAR for 63rd Fish Conservation Week Celebration
RAMON, ISABELA - In a strong show of unity for environmental sustainability and economic recovery, the Municipality of Ramon, Isabela, partnered with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Provincial Fisheries Office of Isabela (PFO Isabela), and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) to commemorate the 63rd Fish Conservation Week. Highlighted by practical interventions including the distribution of 80,000 pieces of tilapia fingerlings, 2 fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats, and 5 units fishing gear, alongside ecosystem restoration efforts.
The celebration reaffirmed the local government's commitment to empowering fisherfolk and protecting inland aquatic habitats in the wake of recent challenges in the Magat Dam area.
"The sustained collaboration between our local government and BFAR has been vital in navigating the severe challenges facing our fisheries sector especially during times of fish kill incidents," stated Municipal Mayor Hon. Giovanni M. Vizcarra, expressing deep gratitude for the agency's continuous ground-level support.
"To directly assist those affected by the Magat Dam fish kill, our goal is to provide immediate inputs including fingerlings and feeds to help our local fisherfolk recover, rebuild, and restore their livelihoods," affirmed Provincial Fishery Officer Mr. Gerico P. Gibe, highlighting the municipality's active partnership in conservation.
A notable aspect of the celebration was the Tree Planting Activity held at Isla Verde, Ramon, Isabela, in which local fisherfolk actively participated. The activity underscored the significance of safeguarding riverbanks and surrounding ecosystems as integral to efforts aimed at conserving inland water resources and maintaining aquatic habitats.
Beyond immediate relief, true sustainability requires pairing tangible assets with actionable knowledge. The final phase of the celebration bridged this gap by combining practical equipment handovers with empowering educational forums to secure the future of Ramon's fisheries.
Ms. Donita Rose P. Pacelo led a session on the Sustainable Management of Inland Water Resources, emphasizing the responsible utilization and conservation of rivers, lakes, and ecosystems. Concurrently, Dr. John Henry Centeno III presented on Fish Health Management, equipping local fisherfolk with actionable protocols to maintain aquatic health, mitigate disease risks, and prevent large-scale mortality events.
"Attending forums like this gives us the practical knowledge we desperately need, not just to protect our waters, but to prevent massive fish kills from wiping out our hard work," shared a local fisherfolk participant following the educational sessions.
The celebration served as an avenue to strengthen collaborations among government agencies, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders toward the sustainable management and conservation of the municipality’s fisheries and aquatic resources.
| D. Pacelo, V. Ujano, PFO Isabela
