Provincial Fisheries Office of Dinagat Islands

31/03/2026

𝗗𝗔-𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗮𝘄 𝗲𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

DINAGAT, Dinagat Islands — Bantay Dagat members, together with local and national partner agencies, completed a three-day Deputy Fish Warden (DFW) and Fishery Law Enforcement System Training held on March 24–26, 2026, at the Municipal Agriculture Office in the Municipality of Dinagat.

The training was conducted by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR)-Caraga to enhance the capabilities of frontline coastal law enforcers in protecting marine resources and ensuring sustainable fisheries management.

Participants included representatives from the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), and NGA-SIKAT.

Municipal agriculturist Robelyn Pareñas opened the program by emphasizing the importance of strengthening the knowledge and skills of Bantay Dagat members, urging them to apply their learning in support of effective law enforcement in their communities.

DA-BFAR Caraga resource persons Lester M. Garcia, Richard Narisma, and Narissa Iyog led discussions on key areas of fishery law enforcement, including values formation through the Moral Recovery Program, coastal resource management, and the roles, duties, and ethical standards expected of Deputy Fish Wardens.

Participants were also oriented on Republic Act 10654, with focus on prohibited acts and corresponding administrative and criminal penalties.

On the second day, sessions centered on enforcement procedures such as arrests, searches, seizures, and detention, including both warrant and warrantless operations. Emphasis was placed on proper handling of suspects, adherence to legal safeguards, and accurate documentation to ensure lawful enforcement.

Challenges in fishery law enforcement—such as limited manpower, weak coordination, and insufficient institutional support—were also discussed, highlighting the need for stronger collaboration among agencies.

The training further covered pre-boarding and boarding procedures for seaborne operations, including team composition, required equipment, communication protocols, and proper conduct during inspections. Participants were guided on standard practices in handling violations and ensuring safety during operations at sea.

A key highlight of the training was the simulation exercise conducted on the third day, where participants engaged in hands-on seaborne enforcement scenarios. With support from PNP and PCG personnel, the activity allowed Bantay Dagat members to apply their knowledge in realistic situations, improving their readiness and response capabilities.

During the closing program, municipal administrator Renaldo Melar encouraged continued dedication, cooperation, and responsible stewardship among participants to ensure the sustainability of marine resources.

Certificates were awarded to participants who successfully completed the training, marking their readiness to take on greater responsibilities in protecting the coastal resources of Dinagat Islands.

The activity concluded with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to work together in safeguarding marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable fishing practices in the community.

29/03/2026

DOST in the News: Facing limited access to modern technologies, unstable fish supply, and livelihood challenges, farming and fishing communities in Dinagat Islands continue to struggle with productivity and sustainability. Through DOST’s science-driven interventions under Action PDI—ranging from technology training and capacity-building to aquaculture support like bangus fry, feeds, and innovative farming solutions—these communities are empowered to build resilient livelihoods and achieve food security.

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23/03/2026

𝗥𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗚𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲-𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀

Residents of Basilisa, Dinagat Islands are expected to benefit from improved livelihood opportunities after a local fisherfolk group completed a government-led training on value-added fishery products.

The Rita Glenda Farmers and Fisherfolk Association wrapped up a two-day post-harvest training held March 18 to 19 in Barangay Rita, Glenda. The activity was spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga, in partnership with the Provincial Fisheries Office and the Municipal Government Office of Basilisa.

Leading the training was OIC Training Unit head Paterno Silla Jr., along with technical staff, who guided participants through key modules on fish handling, shelf life, and Good Manufacturing Practices. Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures were also discussed to ensure food safety and proper processing.

Local officials showed strong support for the initiative. Municipal agriculturist Emeliza Ebueza commended the group’s active participation in government programs, stressing the importance of unity in sustaining development efforts. Vice mayor Manuelito N. Piodo Jr. echoed this, highlighting cooperation as essential to long-term organizational success.

Clover Vales of the Office of the Mayor also emphasized the role of the association in boosting local livelihoods, aligning with the municipality’s push for the “One Town, One Product” strategy to promote locally produced goods.

Participants took part in hands-on sessions, learning techniques in cleaning, seasoning, cooking, bottling, drying, and packaging fishery products to enhance quality and marketability.

By the end of the training, the group produced several value-added products, including bottled tilapia in corn oil and tomato sauce, as well as dried and processed tilapia varieties.

The initiative aims to equip fisherfolk with practical skills that can help increase income and strengthen community-based enterprises.

The training concluded with local leaders encouraging participants to apply what they learned to further develop their association and improve their livelihoods.

21/03/2026

Happy Birthday, PFO Sir Bernard!🎉

Your hard work as Head of the Provincial Fisheries Office in Dinagat Islands is truly commendable and deeply appreciated.

Your leadership continues to inspire excellence and commitment within the team and, most especially, among the fisherfolk communities you serve.

May this special day bring you joy, good health, and continued success in both your personal and professional life. May you be blessed with more achievements and fulfilling years ahead.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIR!

Warmest greetings from your PFO–PDI Family! 🎉🥳

19/03/2026

𝗗𝗔-𝗕𝗙𝗔𝗥 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀

The Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Provincial Fisheries Office of Dinagat Islands conducted a three-day training on bangus garungan production and financial literacy on March 17 to 18, 2026, in Sitio Salvador, Brgy. Llamera, Libjo.

The training brought together members of the Salvador Garungan Fisherfolk Association, equipping them with technical knowledge and financial management skills to better manage their Bangus Garungan Project.

The initiative forms part of its ongoing efforts to boost local aquaculture development, promote self-reliance, and enhance the productivity of fisherfolk communities in the province. It also seeks to address the continuing shortage of bangus fingerlings in Dinagat Islands by building local capacity for sustainable garungan production, ensuring a more stable and accessible supply for aquaculture operations.

On the first day, participants underwent technical sessions covering key aspects of bangus culture, including site selection, pond preparation, fry identification and handling, stocking density, feeding management, and water quality maintenance.

The second day featured “Fish N Learn,” an interactive activity designed to reinforce participants’ understanding of aquaculture practices alongside basic financial literacy concepts such as budgeting and financial planning.

The third day focused on hands-on activities, including pond preparation, d**e repair and heightening, and clearing of debris, allowing participants to apply their learning in a practical setting.

The training was conducted in partnership with the local government unit of Libjo through its Municipal Agriculture Office, and the Department of Science and Technology through its iPOND initiative, a system that enables real-time monitoring of water parameters to improve pond management and productivity.

Provincial fishery officer Bernard Z. Baclayo underscored the importance of adopting science-based aquaculture technologies, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to empowering fisherfolk through capacity-building programs and sustainable fisheries development initiatives. #

13/03/2026

𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗸 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands — Representatives from various fisheries stakeholders gathered on March 12, 2026, at the Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) Building in Don Ruben, San Jose, Dinagat Islands for a Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC) seminar and the selection of a new provincial fisherfolk representative.

The activity brought together Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) chairpersons, municipal agriculturists, fisheries technicians, fisherfolk leaders, and representatives from the provincial government to strengthen collaboration in fisheries governance and community participation.

The seminar was organized with support from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga through its Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division, to reinforce the role of fisheries councils in promoting sustainable fisheries management.

Dinagat Islands provincial fishery officer Bernard Z. Baclayo, who joined the event virtually via Zoom, emphasized the importance of strengthening Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMCs) as key partners of government in advancing sustainable fisheries management.

Messages of support were also delivered by FARMC focal and RFTFCD chief Anna Melissa M. Talavera, as well as provincial agriculturist Rico Galinato, who highlighted the role of fisherfolk leaders in shaping policies and programs that benefit coastal communities.

Participants also shared updates on FARMC initiatives across municipalities in Dinagat Islands, including the continued operations of bantay dagat groups, development of coastal resource management plans, regular FARMC meetings, monitoring of illegal fishing activities, and local government support for fisheries-related programs.

During the seminar, technical personnel from the Provincial Fisheries Office of Dinagat Islands delivered an orientation on key fisheris policies. Necodaisy Alimento presented the provisions of Fisheries Office Order No. 405, series of 2025, which outlines amendments related to the development and classification of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils based on their level of development.

Meanwhile, Rore Ann Empil also provided an orientation on the organizational structure of the POMPANO Network of Fisherfolk Leaders, highlighting the roles and responsibilities of its officers and members and the importance of strong coordination among fisherfolk organizations.

Highlight of the activity was the election of the provincial fisherfolk representative and alternate. Following the voting process, Marjun Compe was elected as the provincial fisherfolk representative of Dinagat Islands. Compe will serve as the primary voice of the fisherfolk sector in advocating their interests and concerns at the provincial level.

An oath-taking ceremony was later conducted to formally mark the start of the duties and responsibilities of Compe and his alternate, Ponciano Cabalhin.

During the open forum, participants also raised suggestions to further strengthen FARMC programs, including the possibility of conducting annual assessments of FARMC development levels and establishing recognition or awards for outstanding FARMCs to encourage continued engagement and performance.

The seminar and election serve as an important step in strengthening leadership, representation, and coordination among fisherfolk communities in Dinagat Islands. #

10/03/2026

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

02/03/2026

📣 The FSP Application for AY 2027–2032 in the Caraga Region is open until July 31, 2026. We are inviting all students who have graduated but are not yet at the college level, Grade 11 students who will graduate next school year, and graduating Grade 12 students to apply.

For inquiries, please visit the nearest BFAR Caraga Office or Provincial Fisheries Office.

01/03/2026

DA-BFAR Caraga proudly stands with the nation in celebrating the 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵! 💜

With the recurring theme, “𝗪𝗘 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆,” and this year's sub-theme, “𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀, 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘀!” we honor the strength, leadership, and vital contributions of women in the fisheries sector.

Like the babaylans who led with courage and vision, today’s Filipinas rise as leaders, innovators, and changemakers in their own right. Their skills, knowledge, and dedication are not only assets to the sector — they are the very driving forces behind inclusive growth and thriving coastal communities.

DA-BFAR Caraga remains steadfast in creating equal opportunities and championing spaces where women can lead, thrive, and inspire change.

Together, WE build a future that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. 💜