CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--In recognizing the invaluable contributions of farmers and fisherfolk to the achievement of food security in the country, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-10 takes the lead in promoting the products of fisherfolk as well as their stories of resilience in celebrating Farmers' and Fisherfolk's Month.
 
"Kami naghinaut sa BFAR-10 nga ang pagsaulog nato ug ang pagtahod sa Buwan sa Mag-uuma ug Mananagat nga magmabungahon ug magmabulokon aron makab-ot nato ang atong gihandum nga food sufficiency para sa atong nasud," BFAR-10 Regional Director Edward Yasay said during the celebration's kick-off, May 4, at the bureau's compound.
 
(We hope in BFAR-10 that our celebration and respect for Farmer and Fisherman's Month will be fruitful and colorful so that we can achieve our desired food sufficiency for our country)
 
In boosting support for fisherfolk in the region, the bureau initiated "Market Day," featuring agri-fishery products of the fisherfolk associations from Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. A total of 15 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) displayed their products at the BFAR-10 compound. Products range from fresh fish and shell products, vegetables, and processed goods.
 
BFAR-10 also held the Tilapia Fingerling Dispersal led by BFAR-10 Senior Aquaculturist Gekie Sy as well as the opening of the Agri-Aqua Trade Fair. 
 
"Alayon sa tumong sa gobyerno nga atong mapalambo ang atong fish production aron mahatagan og igong pagkaon ang matag balay sa atong nasud nga Pilipinas," Yasay said.
 
(In line with the government's goal, we will develop our fish production to provide enough food for every home in our country, the Philippines)
 
Empowering the fisherfolk
 
Emphasizing the great role of the fisherfolk in nation-building, BFAR-10 initiated the oath-taking of the Northern Mindanao Regional Federated Fisherfolk Association (NORMIRFFA) and the transfer of key responsibilities to the 2023 regional fisherfolk director (RFD).
 
"Atong ipahigayon ang atong turnover of the key of responsibility sa atong regional fisherfolk director. Ang tuyo niini ang paghatag og gahum sa atong mga mananagat nga makiglambigit sa mga kalihukan sa atong kawani," Yasay added.
 
(We will conduct our turnover of the key of responsibility of our regional fisherman director. Its purpose is to empower our fishermen to be involved in the activities of our staff)
 
Stories of modern fisherfolk heroes were also shared during the kickoff celebration. These include the transformation of local fishing communities as shared by Pedro Momo, Baybay Aquatic Fisherfolk Organization (BAFO) president, enhancing aquaculture and productivity for sustainable farming by Mustiolo Clamuch, a board of director of Lala Fishermen Cooperative (LAFICO), and the strategies and best practices for effective management of inland bodies of water by Ruben Esteban, municipal fisherfolk leader of LGU Don Carlos, Bukidnon.
 
The fisherfolk associations highlighted the interventions of BFAR-10 along with their respective local government units that aided in boosting their livelihoods, including the implementation of the Special Area for Agricultural Development Program (SAAD).
 
"Ang BFAR naghatag og tulo ka project didto ang post-harvest equipment, tilapia processing, ug ang solar dryer. Ginagamit gyud namo permamente. Ang among association mapasalamaton didto kay mga active sila ang mga members ug mga officers. Dako kaayo ang tabang sa amua didto sa SAAD nga napuslan gyud ang among abot," Esteban said.
 
(BFAR provided three projects there, the post-harvest equipment, tilapia processing, and the solar dryer. We use them all the time. Our association is grateful because we have active members and officers. SAAD was really a great help, and we were really able to make use of our produce)
 
The NORMIRFFA will also hold the logo design contest, which is open to all residents of Region 10. Entries will be accepted, May 4-22, 2023. For details, interested individuals may check out the official Facebook page of BFAR-10 at www.facebook.com. BFAR10official. 
 
This year's theme, "Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya," aims to recognize the modern-day heroes who tirelessly toil the nation's lands and seas to alleviate poverty in the country. (RTP/PIA-10)