The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources- Regional Fisheries Office 1 (BFAR-RFO 1), spearheaded by the Fisheries Scholarship Program Management Team, conducted Virtual Capacity Building cum Year-End Assessment of the Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP) at Conference Hall, San Fernando City, La Union on December 16, 2024.

Aiming to provide the scholars with continuous learning and development interventions, this year-end activity broadened their academic knowledge of Anti Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262). It includes awareness of caring for their mental health and being mindful of Gender and Development (GAD).

FSP scholars from the BFAR partner State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), Pangasinan State University (PSU), and Central Luzon State University (CLSU), actively participated in the activity.

FSP Coordinator May Ann L. Maningding presented the rationale of the activity along with its agenda and objective. Speaking on behalf of RD Rosario Segundina P. Gaerlan, OIC-PFO Pangasinan Antonieta D. Evangelista, welcomed and inspired the scholars, stating that they are the stewards of our nation’s fisheries and agents of meaningful change. Further, they have the power to transform not just the fisheries sector but the lives of countless Filipinos. She also encouraged them to study hard and focus on achieving their goals.

Nataliza L. Llapitan, Planning Officer I and the concurrent Chief-GAD Focal Point System of the Mariano Marcos State University, served as the Learning Service Provider. She discussed the basic concept of GAD, explaining the importance of gender equality. Likewise, to capacitate and enhance the scholar’s knowledge, she tackled RA 9262. Llapitan also stressed the relevance of achieving Sound Mental Health and wellness to the participants, especially in dealing with their day-to-day lives, which can support their professional growth.

An open forum facilitated by Maningding along with Mandar, FSP-IP Coordinator, then provided an opportunity to express issues and concerns in their academic activities, sharing insights on how the implementation of the FSP may be improved.

FSP-FCEG alumnus Gerord M. Gutlay shared his heartfelt feedback, expressing profound gratitude to BFAR Uno. He conveyed his deep appreciation for their unwavering commitment to supporting scholars, not only in addressing their essential needs but also in fostering their growth through meaningful initiatives such as the online seminar on RA 9262. His words echoed the lasting impact of BFAR Uno’s dedication to empowering and nurturing the scholars’ journey toward success.

The Program Management Team will consolidate these and submit to the Central Office for their upcoming Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation activities.

To conclude the activity, Atty. Girly G. Dela Pena, Chief-RFTFCD, reiterated the program’s significance, commended students for their dedication, and shared some experiences that will further motivate them to become successful young professionals of the future. She then encouraged everyone to give honest feedback on the challenges, issues, and concerns scholars face to improve further and achieve continuous development of the Fisheries Scholarship Program in the region.