Office marks Farmers and Fisherfolks Month
TACLOBAN CITY—In celebration of Farmers and Fisherfolks Month, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-8) held the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month Celebration (FFMC) culmination program on Tuesday (May 21).
The event aimed to recognize the exemplary efforts of model fisherfolk leaders in Eastern Visayas.
BFAR Regional Director, Dr. Hannibal M. Chavez, inaugurated the celebration with a welcoming address, honoring the contributions of the region’s farmers and fisherfolk. “With heads held high, we salute all our fisherfolk and farmers, especially those here in Region 8,” he said.
The highlight of the event was the acknowledgment of the outstanding efforts by the provincial fisherfolk representatives of Region 8, led by 2024 BFAR-RO8 Regional Fisherfolks Director (RFD) Melboy Hechanova.
Hechanova has been a key advocate for the fisherfolk sector, voicing their concerns and aspirations.
The honored provincial fisherfolk representatives included Martha Cadano from Northern Samar, Cyrill Pallado from Leyte, Editha Mabini from Eastern Samar, Julio Solana from Southern Leyte, and Bebito Matuguinas from Biliran.
In his address, Hechanova emphasized the critical role of BFAR in the nation’s food security initiatives.
He highlighted the importance of both agricultural and marine resources.
“Food security does not only involve the fields; it also involves the seas,” Hechanova asserted.
Reflecting on his tenure, Hechanova expressed his commitment to fostering unity and collaboration within the sector.
“During my time as RFD, I realized that we really need to work together. Let’s help each other in hopes that BFAR becomes its own Department,” he stated.
(GOLDA MEIR C. CABIDOG, LEYTE NORMAL UNIVERSITY STUDENT INTERN)
