29/05/2026
Nearly 1,200 local fishers gathered at the Museo sang Bata sa Negros here on Friday to celebrate the 4th Fisherfolk Festival, reinforcing the community's commitment to sustainable marine preservation.
The festival, held in honor of Fisherfolk’s Day, anchored on the theme “Amligan ang Kadagatan, Bugana nga Pangabuhian, Malipayon nga Katawhan” (Protect the Ocean, Abundant Livelihood, Happy People).
Activities commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass at the St. James the Greater Parish, followed by a foot parade to the festival venue.
During the program, Sagay Marine Reserve (SMR) Protected Area Superintendent Mayo Antonio Cueva expressed concern over the growing number of fishers operating within protected zones.
“Let’s give our ocean a little breather and allow the fishes to breed more,” Cueva said. He also urged families to prioritize their children’s education for long-term community development.
Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael M. Cueva lauded the participants, calling them crucial partners in environmental conservation.
“Our fisherfolks are our biodiversity heroes, and today we celebrate all of you,” Mayor Cueva said. He added that the local government is looking into value-added projects to support the local fisheries sector.
Negros Occidental 2nd District Rep. Alfredo D. Marañon III noted that our leaders have spent 50 years working with stakeholders to protect the 32,000-hectare SMR, which has resulted in an increase in average fish catch.
"It is vital to continue protecting your source of livelihood—our ocean," Cong Maranon said.
Provincial Board Member Arthur Christopher Marañon highlighted the strategic foresight of the late Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., who pioneered the legislation protecting the marine reserve.
The board member mentioned that the recent lifting of the commercial fishing ban within the 15-kilometer municipal waters poses a threat to many coastal communities in the country.
However, in Sagay City, fishers remain insulated from these adverse effects due to the strict legal protections of the Sagay Marine Reserve Law. He also reminded the public to stop irresponsible waste disposal into river systems as this remain critical to conserving the sea.
Old Sagay Punong Barangay Rogelio Sayam hailed the fishers as the "real heroes of our ocean," stressing the need to pass down a deep respect for marine life to the younger generation to ensure future food security.
The event, spearheaded by City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC) Focal Person Myrdth Uberas, was also attended by City Councilor Perfecto Marañon, former councilor Felisa de la Cruz, City Agriculturist Julie Delima and guests from
Office of the Provincial Agriculturist(OPA) Yvonne Dumdumaya and Arnel Magbabua.
The festival served as a platform to honor outstanding individuals and organizations across several categories:
Winners:
* Product Display
1st Brgy. Molocaboc
2nd Brgy. Vito
3rd Brgy. Taba-ao
* Boat Race
1st Jessie Tizon -GK Punta Roma, Brgy. Taba-ao
2nd Fernando Lozano- Suyac Brgy. Taba-ao
3rd Leo Agosto- Brgy. Vito
* Mananagat Got Talent(Dance Contest)
1st Brgy. Bulanon
2nd Brgy. Him. Baybay
3rd Brgy. Old Sagay
* Fisherfolk King & Queen
Analona Buytrago- Old Sagay and Ronnie Carambacan- Brgy. Plaridel
* 4 Fiber Boat (complete set)
Jose Mermida - Suyac Taba-ao
Sanny Romero- Brgy. Old Sagay, Elena Prudente- Brgy. Him. Baybay and Jimboy Requiron- Brgy. Bulanon
* 5 Motor Engine 12HP
Johnny Rojo- Brgy. Himogaan Baybay,
Arnely Malunes- Brgy. Him. Baybay, Demetry Borromeo- Brgy. Him. Baybay, Maximo Baynas- Brgy. Bulanon and Crisly Arcayos- Brgy. Old Sagay
* Loyalty Award
Sammy Abong- GK Punta Roma, Brgy. Taba-ao
* Most Improved Assn.
-Looc Dasok Fisherfolk Assn., Brgy. Old Sagay
* Best in Operation Management System
Dumigpe Dos Fisherfolk Assn., Brgy. Vito
* Dakilang Mangingisda
Manuel Bacalso of Tambis Fisherfolk Assn.
Brgy. Bulanon
Representatives from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) also conducted an orientation briefing for the beneficiaries of the local boat insurance program to protect the fishers' physical assets.
