The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the Caraga Region (BFAR-13) on Friday recognized its partners from the public and private sectors for their contributions to conserving fish and marine resources in the area.

The Philippine News Agency was among those recognized for championing BFAR’s programs and projects during the recognition ceremony here, marking the end of the weeklong 62nd Fish Conservation Week.

This year’s celebration, themed “Pangisdaang Masagana” (Prosperous Fishing), featured various activities on fish and marine conservation.

Among the awardees were local government units, government agencies, non-government organizations, and fisherfolk associations from across the region.

“The vision of a ‘Pangisdaang Masagana’ cannot be achieved by government alone. It requires the collective strength of the Caraganon fisherfolk who commit to sustainable practices, of local governments that enforce fisheries laws, of industry partners who invest responsibly, and of every Filipino who values conservation as much as consumption,” BFAR-13 Director Omnia Olama said in her message.

During the event, BFAR-13 also released 40 units of 21-footer fiberglass motorized boats to various fisherfolk associations across the region, with a total value of PHP3 million.

Each unit is equipped with a 15-horsepower Sumo engine, fishing gears and tools.

Among the recipients was the Loreto Fisherfolk Association, a group of 35 members from the Manobo tribe in Loreto, Agusan del Sur, who are engaged in inland and freshwater fishing at Agusan Marsh.

The group received eight fiberglass boats, which can also ferry students to the town center, saving families around PHP200 per week.

“This will help us fish in wider areas and ensure increased catch as we no longer need to paddle with the 15 horsepower engine,” group president Romnick Bello said. (PNA)