In conclusion to the 61st Fish Conservation Week Celebration, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 3 hosted its Gawad Pasasalamat program as part of the closing program, honoring the dedicated partner stakeholders of the fisheries sector across Central Luzon. The event took place at The Orchidarium of the Orchid Gardens, San Fernando, Pampanga, where attendees gathered to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of the stakeholders.
The ceremony was highlighted by a keynote address from Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz, who expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders for their relentless efforts in protecting and conserving the region’s aquatic resources.
The event also featured a message from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who addressed the audience via a video presentation. The President emphasized the significance of Maritime Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month 2024. Adding to the program’s momentum, Isidro Velayo Jr., the Officer-in-Charge National Director of BFAR, delivered remarks via AVP, highlighting the national agency’s commitment to advancing fish conservation and fostering sustainable fishing practices across the Philippines.
The Gawad Pasasalamat sa mga kabalikat sa Pangisdaan, where various stakeholders, including fisherfolk organizations, local government units, and non-governmental organizations, received recognition for their outstanding contributions to fish conservation.
At the awarding ceremony, where 37 stakeholders were recognized for their exceptional contributions, four posthumous awards were presented to honor individuals whose legacies continue to inspire others in the fight for marine conservation.
The 61st Fish Conservation Week Celebration and the Gawad Pasasalamat awarding serve as a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of the fisheries community in Region 3.