By Emmanuel D. Taghoy
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – A fisherman of this province was chosen to sit as the new Fisherfolk Director for Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) region for the whole month of May 2014.
In support of its fisherfolk empowerment program, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) here installed Mr. Vicente M. Batobalunos last week as the new Fisherfolk Director or Mangingisdang Direktor of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-9.
Regional Director Ahadulla S. Sajili, Al-Haj. of BFAR-9 led the installation ceremonies with Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Governor Wilter Y. Palma and Municipal Mayor Eldwin M. Alibutdan of Ipil town.
The Fisherfolk Director Program highlights the nationwide celebration of the 10th Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month with the theme, “Mangingisdang Direktor para sa mas Matatag na Balikatan.”
BFAR-Sibugay Provincial Fishery Officer Estrella C. Macapobre told the media in an interview that the celebration of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month is an act of giving them due recognition of their role as active partners of the government in nation building.
“To dramatize and popularize fisherfolk empowerment and their partnership with the government, national and regional fisherfolk leaders shall sit as Fisherfolk National/Regional Director for the entire month of May as mandated by DA Special Order No. 88, Series of 2005,” she said.
The fisherfolk director shall conduct visitations on various BFAR projects and facilities, as well as conduct activities that will ensure maximum participation of the fisherfolk.
In like manner, the BFAR regional director is enjoined to engage in community immersion in coastal villages within his jurisdiction for a period of one to two weeks as provided in section 4 of the Special Order.
Macapobre stressed that the empowerment and meaningful partnership of the fisherfolk with the government has been institutionalized through national and regional fisherfolk representatives chosen through assemblies facilitated by BFAR in consonance with RA 8435, known as Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act and RA 8550, known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
This year is the 10th year of Farmers and Fisherfolk Month celebration in the country.