31/07/2026
𝟐𝟎 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐁𝐒 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝟏𝟓𝟎-𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑-𝐍𝐂𝐑
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Capital Region (BFAR-NCR) proudly congratulates the twenty (20) third-year Bachelor of Science in Biology students from Bicol University on the successful completion of their 150-hour internship program.
On 22 July 2026, during the completion ceremony, the student-interns presented the results of their assessments using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK), a decision-support tool used to evaluate the potential invasiveness of aquatic species. Their presentations demonstrated the knowledge, analytical skills, and research competencies they developed throughout their internship at BFAR-NCR. It also highlighted their active participation in technical and field activities, as well as their exposure to the Bureau's programs and initiatives in fisheries management, aquatic biodiversity conservation, and environmental stewardship.
The culmination program was led by Regional Director Dr. Noemi S.B. Lanzuela, who reaffirmed BFAR-NCR's commitment to supporting experiential learning and strengthening partnerships with academic institutions. She recognized the student interns for their dedication, professionalism, and liveliness throughout their internship, encouraging them to pursue excellence as they advance in their academic and future professional endeavors.
The presentations were evaluated by Regional Director Dr. Noemi S.B. Lanzuela, Mr. Renzo Pura, Officer-in-Charge of DFO III, Ms. Maria Criselda Belchez of the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division (RFTFCD), Ms. Maregie Barbacina of the Fisheries Management, Regulatory, Enforcement, Support and Services Division (FMRESSD), and inspectors from Live Aquatic Animals Inspection Services (LAAIS), Mr. Markjess C. Torre and Mr. Emmanuel H. Diaz. The panel provided valuable insights, constructive recommendations, and words of encouragement in recognition of the interns' growth and accomplishments throughout the program.
One of the highlights of the culmination program was the interns' heartfelt sharing of their internship experiences. The students expressed their sincere gratitude to BFAR-NCR for the warm welcome and provision of a meaningful learning environment despite the size of their group. They shared that the Regional Office gave them opportunities not only to strengthen their scientific knowledge, but also to gain firsthand experience in aquatic biodiversity conservation, environmental management, and public service.
The interns also reflected on how their career aspirations evolved throughout the internship. At the beginning of their training, many envisioned pursuing careers in medicine. However, after months of immersion in BFAR-NCR's programs, field activities, and conservation initiatives, they gained a deeper appreciation for the vital role that biologists play in protecting aquatic ecosystems and conserving biodiversity. Their internship broadened their career perspectives and inspired many of them to explore careers in environmental conservation, aquatic resource management, biodiversity protection, and related fields.
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Congratulations to the Bicol University BS Biology student interns! May the knowledge, skills, values, and experiences you have gained inspire you to pursue excellence in the biological sciences and become future champions of environmental conservation and the sustainable management of the country's aquatic resources.
