BFAR Caraga

koriiquuuueeesh! 😌

𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙚, 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙚! 😌🐠
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Ang Flounder o flatfish na kilala sa tawag na 𝙩𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙡𝙥𝙪𝙠𝙚, 𝙙𝙖𝙥𝙖, 𝙖𝙩 𝙥𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙙 ay isa sa pinakakakaibang isda sa karagatan dahil sa pisikal nitong anyo na palapad. Sa kanilang paglaki, unti-unting lumilipat ang kanilang isang mata sa kabilang panig ng ulo. May kakayahan rin silang magbalatkayo o camouflage sa pamamagitan ng pagbabago ng kulay ng balat o pagbabaon sa sarili sa buhangin upang magtago sa mga kalaban.

Bukod sa kanilang kakaibang anyo, ang tampalpuke ay paboritong ihain sa hapag ng maraming Pilipino dahil sa napakalambot, maputi, at pino nitong karne na maaaring iprito, ihawin, o lagyan ng sarsa.

Bagama't hindi ito kabilang sa mga pangunahing komersyal na isda, malaki ang naitutulong ng flounder sa pagbibigay ng pagkain at kabuhayan sa mga mangingisda at lokal na pamayanan sa Pilipinas.

| The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) formally launched the “Malinis at Masaganang Katubigan” (MMK 2.0) National Search for Outstanding Coastal and Inland Communities on May 28, 2026, in Barangay Olo-olo, Lobo, Batangas.

Through MMK 2.0, DA-BFAR encourages all eligible municipalities and cities nationwide to participate and showcase innovative, community-driven fisheries management initiatives that can serve as models for communities across the country.

Shellfish Bulletin No. 12
Series of 2026
01 June 2026

| Nagpabiling luwas sa red tide toxin ang mga sample sa kinhason ug tubig-dagat nga nakolekta gikan sa baybayon sa Cortes, Hinatuan, Lianga, ug Bislig Bay sa Surigao del Sur, base sa pinakabag-ong Shellfish Bulletin nga gi-isyu sa DA-BFAR.

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| Shellfish and seawater samples collected from the coastal waters of Cortes, Hinatuan, Lianga, and Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur remain free from the red tide toxin, based on the latest Shellfish Bulletin issued by DA-BFAR.

Shellfish Bulletin No. 13
Series of 2026
01 June 2026

Shellfishes collected and tested from Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Tantanang Bay in Zamboanga Sibugay Province; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar and coastal waters of Daram, Samar; and Panguil Bay in Misamis Occidental and Lanao Del Norte and coastal water of Biliran Island are 𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit. Moreover, coastal waters of Bolinao and Anda in
Pangasinan are now free for toxic red tide.

All types of shellfish and 𝑨𝒄𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒑. or alamang gathered from these areas are 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄 for human consumption.

Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

𝗗𝗔-𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗡𝗙𝗙𝗠, 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga formally capped off the celebration of the National Farmers' and Fisherfolk's month in a closing ceremony held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the Regional Fisherfolk Training Center in Butuan City.

The event gathered fisherfolk leaders, former regional directors, members of the DA-BFAR management committee, and sector representatives in a culmination activity that celebrated the resilience and vital role of fishing communities in ensuring food security.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of this year's Mangingisdang Direktor, Dinagat Islands fisherfolk leader and Regional Fisherfolk Director (RFD) Compe, who spent his tenure immersing himself in various fisheries programs and field activities across the region.

Through firsthand participation in project implementation and community engagements, Compe gained a deeper understanding of the realities faced by fisherfolk and the operational challenges encountered by the agency in delivering fisheries services.

In his message, RFD Compe expressed his gratitude to DA-BFAR Caraga for the opportunity to serve as the voice of fisherfolk in the region. Drawing from his experiences in the field, the Dinagatnon regional fisherfolk director presented a comprehensive assessment of the sector's prevailing concerns and offered recommendations aimed at improving fisheries programs, livelihood opportunities, and support services for coastal communities.

RFD Compe's insights underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships between government institutions and fisherfolk organizations to ensure that interventions remain responsive to the needs of fishing communities.

Responding on behalf of regional director Omnia B. Olama, Finance and Administrative Division officer-in-charge Elvera B. Sayas called on DA-BFAR personnel to remain inspired by the dedication and sacrifices of fisherfolk, whose daily efforts help sustain the country's food supply.

"Let us pledge to support and uplift these hardworking individuals and their families. Let us stand by them in their struggles, advocate for their needs, and ensure that they have the resources, tools, and knowledge to thrive in their noble professions," Sayas said.

The ceremony also became a platform for celebrating regional excellence after Caraga secured national recognition in the recently concluded FishCoRExhibit: National Mixed-Media Art Competition held on May 28, 2026, in Lobo, Batangas.

DA-BFAR Caraga recognized Engr. Aimee Claudine A. Neri-Espina for her artwork, "Re-sea-stance," which emerged as the 1st Runner-Up among entries from across the country. The piece earned a cash prize of Php 40,000 and further captured public support by winning the Social Media Choice Award, accompanied by an additional Php 20,000 prize.

Beyond recognition and celebration, the event also delivered tangible assistance to fishing communities. Selected fisherfolk beneficiaries from Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur received 12 units of 27-foot fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats complete with accessories, with a total project cost of approximately Php 872,000.

The provision of fishing boats forms part of the agency's continuing efforts to enhance fishing efficiency, improve livelihoods, and increase the productivity of municipal fisherfolk in the region.

As the month-long observance drew to a close, DA-BFAR Caraga emphasized that the celebration serves not only as a tribute to farmers and fisherfolk but also as a reminder of the shared responsibility to support those who stand at the forefront of food production and resource stewardship. #

Through maritime patrol operations, vessel monitoring measures, law enforcement capacity building, and strengthened inter-agency cooperation, BFAR continues to intensify its efforts against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing. These initiatives help safeguard Philippine waters, improve compliance with fisheries laws, and promote the sustainable management of the country's fisheries resources.

As the lead fisheries management agency, BFAR works closely with fisherfolk, coastal communities, local government units, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and other partners to strengthen fisheries law enforcement nationwide. Guided by science-based management and supported by the Fishery Law Enforcement Manual of Operations (FLEMO), these efforts are complemented by BFAR’s partnership with the U.S. government through the Fish Right Program, including the I-FIT tool, which was created through this collaboration to support data-informed action against IUU fishing and contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems, food security, and the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos who depend on the fisheries sector.

On June 5, the Philippines joins the international community in observing the International Day Against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing. Join us in commemorating this global observance and in supporting the collective effort to protect our seas, uphold responsible fishing practices, and ensure a sustainable future for our fisheries and coastal communities.

As we commemorate the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing this June 5, the Philippines continues to gain global recognition for its efforts to protect fisheries resources and uphold responsible fishing practices. In the 2025 Global IUU Fishing Index, the country ranked 54th out of 152 coastal States and fourth best in Asia, reflecting stronger fisheries governance and enforcement.

This achievement is supported by the sustained efforts of the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) in strengthening fishery law enforcement through expanded sea and coastal patrol operations, deployment of patrol vessels, enhanced monitoring and surveillance systems, and closer coordination with partner enforcement agencies. The Bureau also continues to institutionalize best practices through the Fishery Law Enforcement Manual of Operations (FLEMO), which provides standardized, lawful, and effective procedures for fisheries enforcement personnel nationwide.

Beyond improving rankings, these initiatives demonstrate the Philippines’ commitment to safeguarding marine resources, protecting fisherfolk livelihoods, and ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from sustainable and responsibly managed fisheries.

| 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐆𝐮𝐥𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬

From June to August every year, the closed fishing season in the Davao Gulf prohibits the catching of certain small pelagic fish species in Davao Gulf using bagnets, ringnets, and fine mesh nets.

This allows species such as a variety of mackerels (known as karabalyas, hasa-hasa, anduhao, alumahan), roundscad (galunggong, moro-moro or borot), and big eye scad (matangbaka) to regenerate and rehabilitate, helping ensure fish production and food security in the long run.

| Usa na usab ka mahinungdanong kalampusan sa pagpalambo sa panginabuhian sa mga mangingisda sa Dinagat Islands ang nahitabo pinaagi sa malampusong implementasyon sa Bangus Nursery Project sa Sitio Salvador Garungan Growers Association sa Barangay Llamera, Municipality of Libjo.

Pinaagi sa suporta sa Department of Agriculture- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA- BFAR) Caraga – Provincial Fisheries Office, opisyal nga nadawat sa asosasyon ang 50,000 ka bangus fry nga pagapamuhi-on ug atimanon hangtod kini motubo ug mahimong garungan size, nga adunay dakong potensyal isip dugang nga tinubdan sa kita alang sa mga miyembro sa grupo.

| Thirty municipal fisherfolk in the towns of Mainit and Alegria received freshwater fishing gear from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga on Monday, May 25 as part of efforts to strengthen livelihoods and improve fish production in local communities.

The agency, through its Provincial Fisheries Office in Surigao del Norte, distributed 30 units of freshwater gill nets with complete accessories worth Php 207 thousand to qualified beneficiaries. Twenty units were awarded to fisherfolk in Mainit, while 10 units were given to beneficiaries in Alegria.

The livelihood intervention aims to enhance fishing efficiency and provide sustainable income opportunities for municipal fisherfolk engaged in inland fisheries around Lake Mainit.

𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧, 𝐇𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐚𝐧!

Sa pagdiriwang ng Araw ng mga Mangingisda, kinikilala at pinararangalan ng DA-BFAR ang ating mga masisipag at matatag na mangingisdang Pilipino na katuwang ng pamahalaan sa pangangalaga at pagpapaunlad ng sektor ng pangisdaan.

Malaki ang kanilang ambag sa pagpapatatag ng seguridad sa pagkain at sa pagpapasigla ng ekonomiya ng bansa. Sa kabila ng mga hamon at pagsubok, patuloy silang nagsisilbing haligi ng ating lipunan at kabuhayan.

Bilang tugon, nananatiling matatag ang mga programa ng BFAR na suportahan at paunlarin ang industriya ng pangisdaan upang makamit ang mas maunlad at masaganang kinabukasan para sa mga Pilipino.

Taos-pusong pagpupugay at pasasalamat sa ating mga mangingisda na walang sawang humaharap sa panganib ng dagat at sa mga hamon ng buhay para sa kapakanan ng sambayanan.