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BFAR Chief Visits Bohol Fisherfolk Communities

May 22, 2026 1.3K

Before sunrise, fishermen in the coastal town of Garcia Hernandez, Bohol, prepared their nets and boats for another day at sea. Along the shoreline, government officials joined local fisherfolk in harvesting lambaklad catch, listening closely to the daily struggles and hopes of communities that depend on fishing for their livelihood.

The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) conducted a two-day immersion activity in Bohol from May 20 to 21 under the “Mangingisdang Direktor Program,” aimed at strengthening ties between government leaders and fishing communities.

The activity was led by BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig together with BFAR Regional Director Mario N. Ruinata, Garcia Hernandez Mayor Filadelfo Jess III V. Baja, and Bohol Provincial Fishery Officer Candido T. Samijon.

During the visit, officials joined local fisherfolk in a lambaklad harvest activity in the municipality of Garcia Hernandez. Lambaklad is a traditional stationary fishing method commonly used in coastal communities to catch schools of fish.

A focus group discussion was later held at Freedom Park, where members of the East Lungsodaan Fisherfolk Association shared concerns and recommendations about fishing livelihood, market access, and government support programs. Fisherfolk leaders also discussed the need for stronger protection of marine resources and sustainable fishing practices to secure long-term income for coastal families.

Director Salilig also inspected several fisheries-related projects in Bohol, including an upland tilapia fishery project and the ongoing construction of fisheries infrastructure projects in the municipalities of Jagna and Ubay. He likewise visited the BFAR Provincial Fishery Office in Tagbilaran City before attending the province’s Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month celebration.

During the BFAR 7 Management Committee Meeting, Salilig highlighted the importance of dedication in public service. He stressed that even with enough resources, programs may fail without commitment and passion from those implementing them.

The BFAR chief also emphasized the Philippines’ strong fisheries potential as an archipelagic country surrounded by rich marine resources. He said the government must continue promoting sustainable fisheries programs, modern technologies, and projects that can improve production while reducing losses among fisherfolk.

Fishing remains one of the major livelihood sources for many Filipino families, especially in coastal provinces like Bohol. According to government data, the fisheries sector contributes significantly to the country’s food supply and local economy. However, many fishing communities continue to face challenges such as rising fuel costs, climate change, illegal fishing, and declining fish catch.

The “Mangingisdang Direktor Program” was created to help government officials better understand the real conditions experienced by fisherfolk. Through direct immersion, BFAR leaders are able to observe the daily realities of fishing communities and identify ways to improve services and support programs.

Local fisherfolk welcomed the visit, saying direct engagement with national officials gives them an opportunity to voice concerns and propose solutions that can help strengthen the fisheries industry in their communities.

As the government continues to push for food security and sustainable livelihood programs, stronger cooperation between agencies and fishing communities may play an important role in protecting the country’s marine resources and improving the lives of Filipino fisherfolk.

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