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BFAR Honors Fisherfolk Voice in 2026 Program

May 28, 2026 1,430

For many Filipino fisherfolk, life begins before sunrise and ends long after the boats return to shore. Every day brings uncertainty from rough seas, changing weather, and unstable income. But in Quezon City this week, one fisherman stood before government officials not just as a worker of the sea, but as a voice for thousands of fishing communities across the country.

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) held the culmination activity of the 2026 Mangingisdang Direktor Program at the BFAR Central Office Annex Building in Quezon City as part of the celebration of Farmers’ and Fisherfolk Month.

The annual program allows selected fisherfolk leaders to experience decision-making and policy discussions within BFAR. It also gives government officials direct insights into the daily struggles and needs of fishing communities.

During the event, 2026 National Fisheries Director Dario Pedong shared his experience after serving for one month under the program. He said the initiative gave ordinary fisherfolk a rare opportunity to participate in discussions that affect the future of the fisheries sector.

Pedong described the experience as both humbling and meaningful. He said many fishermen are used to difficult conditions at sea and simple living, making it uncommon for them to be heard at the national level.

He added that the program does more than provide a title to fisherfolk participants. According to him, it gives the fisheries sector a stronger voice in government and allows community-based concerns to be included in policy discussions and future programs.

Officials from DA-BFAR said the initiative reflects the agency’s effort to strengthen cooperation between the government and coastal communities. The fisheries sector remains an important source of food and livelihood in the Philippines, supporting millions of Filipinos through fishing, aquaculture, and related industries.

National Director Elizer Salilig also shared his experience after participating in immersion activities and interacting directly with fisherfolk communities. He emphasized the need for modern and sustainable projects that can improve safety and provide stable income for small-scale fishermen.

Among the projects highlighted during the event was the Lambaklad Project, an innovation that allows fisherfolk to catch quality fish closer to shore without the need to travel to dangerous fishing grounds.

According to Salilig, the project helps reduce risks faced by fishermen while also protecting marine resources. He said the system provides a more economical and environment-friendly way of supporting coastal livelihoods.

BFAR encouraged fisherfolk associations and local communities to adopt modern technologies and sustainable fishing methods to help build a stronger and more resilient fisheries sector in the country.

The Mangingisdang Direktor Program is held every May in line with the celebration of Farmers’ and Fisherfolk Month. This year’s theme, “Boses ng Mangingisdang Pilipino, sa Bagong Pilipinas, ipagpugay natin ito,” highlights the importance of recognizing the role and contributions of Filipino fisherfolk in national development.

As challenges continue to affect the country’s fishing industry, programs that strengthen the connection between government and grassroots communities may help create more inclusive and lasting solutions for the sector.

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