BFAR 6- Iloilo Provincial Fisheries Office

| 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 – 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐮 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬

The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) takes note of the call made by Representative Kaka Bag-ao for the Bureau to disclose vessel monitoring system (VMS) data in relation to efforts to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The Bureau recognizes and supports the underlying intent of this call, particularly the use of information technology as an effective tool in strengthening fisheries enforcement and curbing IUU fishing. In fact, the Philippine government, through DA-BFAR, has long pursued this direction with the establishment and continued enhancement of the VMS as part of its broader monitoring, control, and surveillance system.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/2026/05/29/statement-of-the-department-of-agriculture-bureau-of-fisheries-and-aquatic-resources-on-vessel-monitoring-and-data-sharing-practices/

𝗗𝗔-𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝟲, 𝗟𝗚𝗨 𝗔𝗷𝘂𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗸’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Ajuy, Iloilo — Almost 300 fisherfolk and stakeholders gathered in the municipality of Ajuy on May 27, 2026 as the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 6 (DA-BFAR 6), in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Ajuy, celebrated Fisherfolk’s Day through a series of free services, educational activities, and recognition programs for the fishing community.
Hundreds of participants availed of the free services offered during the activity. Of the total beneficiaries, 33 received dental services, 185 availed of medical consultation along with free medicines and vitamins, 45 benefited from free haircut services, while 200 received information, education and communication (IEC) materials and free seedlings.
In her message, DA-BFAR 6 Regional Director Remia A. Aparri emphasized the vital contribution of fisherfolk to food security, economic development, and environmental protection.
“Ang selebrasyon nga ini indi lang parte sang tradisyon kundi isa ka pagkilala sa mga tawo nga adlaw-adlaw nagapangabudlay agud may pagkaon sa lamesa sang kada pamilya — ang aton mga mangingisda,” Director Aparri said.
Ajuy Mayor Loida J. Espinosa, together with Vice Mayor Jett C. Rojas, Sangguniang Bayan Member Joyce R. Zerrudo, and Regional Fisherfolk Director Joni D. Valladarez, also joined the celebration and expressed the municipality’s continued support for programs that uplift the welfare and livelihood of fisherfolk in the community.
Aside from the free services, fisherfolk also participated in lectures on the BFAR Fisheries Scholarship Program, sustainable fisheries management, and insurance services for fisherfolk. Interactive games and competitions such as the Fish Bee and Net Mending Contest were also conducted, giving participants the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills in fisheries.
Various fisheries projects were awarded to fisherfolk associations during the activity, along with special recognition awards for outstanding fisherfolk and organizations.
“Na-overwhelm gid ako kay first time namon maka-attend sang amo to nga celebration sang Fisherfolk's Day. Nagapasalamat gid kami sing dako sa mga services kag sa mga natun-an namon sa lectures, pareho sang kung ano ka dako ang mata sang lambat nga pwede gamiton sa pagpangisda,” shared Glenda Basa, 56, a member of the Culasi Fishermen Association.
The celebration gathered 21 fisherfolk organizations and several partner agencies and service providers including the local officials of Ajuy, Philippine National Police – 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company Camp, Department of Agriculture - Western Visayas, Department of Health - Western Visayas, Rural Health Unit of Ajuy, Barotac Viejo District Hospital, Sara District Hospital, Iloilo Provincial Health Office, Provincial Agriculture Office, Uswag Ilonggo Party-list, UP High School in Iloilo, along with other development partners.
Fisherfolk’s Day in Ajuy forms part of the nationwide celebration of Farmers and Fisherfolk Month every May with this year’s theme, “Pagbibigay-pugay para sa Magsasaka’t Mangingisda sa gitna ng hamon at krisis,” which highlights the resilience, dedication, and invaluable contribution of farmers and fisherfolk in ensuring food security despite various challenges faced by the sector. # # #

𝗧𝗕𝗧𝗜 𝗣𝗛 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗔-𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝟲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗸 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
The National Consortium for Small-Scale Fisheries Research and Development — Too-Big-To-Ignore (TBTI) Philippines partnered with the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office No. VI (DA-BFAR 6) for the National Fisherfolk’s Day Celebration held today, May 30, 2026, at the UP Visayas Auditorium, Iloilo City.
More than 150 participants attended the daylong event, which brought together representatives from local government units and fisherfolk organizations across Panay and Guimaras as well as TBTI Members all over the country.
With the theme “Mangingisdang Handa at Protektado: Kabuhayan, Kaalaman at Kaagapay para sa Matatag na Kinabukasan,” the celebration underscored the urgency of ensuring that small-scale fisherfolk are equipped with the knowledge, livelihood tools, and social protection they need to build a secure future. The event featured three panel discussion sessions covering ready-to-access livelihood programs, social protection mechanisms, and practical knowledge and technologies for small-scale fisherfolk.
“Research, however excellent, must eventually move from documentation to transformation. Our National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries, the NPOA-SSF, provides us with a framework. But frameworks require evidence, data, and implementation insights that institutions like TBTI are uniquely positioned to provide,” DA-BFAR 6 Director Remia A. Aparri in her message.
As partner, the Bureau showcased its broad portfolio of programs serving more than 190,000 fisherfolk across the five provinces of Western Visayas. These efforts span registration under the FishR and BoatR systems as well as livelihood assistance, post-harvest support, aquaculture investments, fisheries management, capacity-building, insurance coverage, and access to social protection.
In fact, the Bureau has also started delivering the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP) and this year’s call for Application for the BFAR Fisheries Scholarship Program.
“I would like to see a more deliberate and sustained connection between TBTI’s research agenda and the NPOA-SSF, so that what is studied here actually informs what is implemented in the field,” Director Aparri added, posing a challenge to the TBTI partners of the Bureau.
Dr. Erwin E. Ilaya, Chief of the Fisheries Management, Regulatory, and Enforcement Division (FMRED), led the Bureau’s delegation in the event. Ms. Joni Valladarez, Mangingisdang Direktor for May 2026, was also in attendance.
Through sustained partnerships with research institutions like TBTI Philippines, DA-BFAR 6 continues to bridge the gap between policy, science, and fishing communities. # # #
TBTI Philippines

𝗗𝗔-𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝟲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝟯𝟱𝟳 𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲

Banate, Iloilo – A total of 357 fisherfolk from 10 barangays in the municipality of Banate received cash assistance under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP) during a distribution activity held on May 21, 2026, at the Poblacion Gymnasium.

Implemented by the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 6 (DA-BFAR 6), the program provided PhP 2,325.00 to each qualified beneficiary.

The assistance forms part of the national government’s response to global economic disruptions and geopolitical tensions that have affected the prices of fuel and other agricultural inputs, placing additional burden on municipal fisherfolk and farmers.

DA-BFAR 6 Regional Director Remia A. Aparri led the distribution activity and lauded the municipality’s efforts in strengthening fisheries management and combating illegal fishing.

“Wala na sang illegal fishing according to the MAO, which is a very good development for Banate,” Director Aparri said.

She also commended the local government unit (LGU) of Banate for its implementation of boat registration and licensing initiatives, which contribute to improved fisheries governance in the municipality.

Present during the activity were Banate OIC Mayor and Vice Mayor Hon. Felimon Iran, as well as Municipal Agriculturist Sanly B. Galvez, who expressed gratitude for the continued support extended by BFAR to the municipality and its fisherfolk sector. Representatives from the office of Hon. Ferjenel G. Biron were also present to provide support for the implementation of the assistance program in the municipality.

Members from the Banate Municipal Fisheries Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) and the Municipal Agriculture Office assisted in verifying the qualified recipients and disseminating information regarding the distribution schedule and documentary requirements.

This distribution also served as the pilot implementation of the cash assistance program for fisherfolk in Western Visayas. DA-BFAR 6 expects approximately 38,300 fisherfolk across the region to benefit from the initiative as the rollout continues in various provinces and municipalities.

PAFFP is a national government program worth PhP 10 billion that seeks to give unconditional financial aid to qualified farmers registered in the RSBSA database and fisherfolk registered in BoatR. # # #/MMandalejo

BFAR-6 CITES CAPITOL'S INITIATIVES FOR VISAYAN SEA

Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) Acting Head Felina Grace Basco, together with Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. and Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, presented the Certificates of Appreciation awarded by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 6 to Governor Defensor and the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (PBDTF) during this morning’s flag-raising ceremony.

Signed by BFAR-6 Regional Director Remia Aparri, the certificates honor Governor Defensor and the IPBDTF for their dedicated service and active participation in the enforcement of fisheries laws and the management of Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 11 in the Visayan Sea.