In celebration of the Month of the Ocean, the BFAR-RFO1/FMA6 Coordinating Unit 1 (FCU1) of the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project successfully hosted “The FishCoRe Exposé – Youth Edition” at Ynad’s Place Hotel and Resort.

The pioneering regional activity gathered young minds across Region 1 for a day of learning and creativity through a youth convention, an art competition, and a quiz bowl, all under the theme: “Raising Awareness on Climate Resiliency, Healthy Ocean, and Sustainable Fisheries.”

The event aimed to promote awareness and encourage youth participation in the protection and sustainable management of the country’s coastal and marine resources. As emphasized by BFAR Region 1 Director Rosario Segundina P. Gaerlan,“This activity aims to encourage the youth to showcase their talents and knowledge about the fisheries sector. Moreover, it also seeks to raise public awareness—especially among the youth—on the

importance of fishing and the conservation of the country’s marine resources, as these play a significant role in ensuring food security.”

Nineteen young artists participated in the Artwork Competition, using oil pastels on ½-size illustration boards to depict their interpretations of the event’s theme. The competition highlighted the creativity and environmental consciousness of the youth.

Natalie T. de Castro of Anda, Pangasinan emerged as the Champion, with P15,000 cash prize. Other winners included: 2nd Place: King Philip M. Biason (Pangasinan State University/PSU) with P10,000; 3rd Place: Rachelle Anne P. Almojuela (Saint Louis College) with P8,000; 4th Place: Cedrick Roeglen F. Rivera (Don Eulogio De Guzman Memorial National High School, Bauang) with P6,000; and, 5th Place: Naomi Anne A. Asunto (LORMA Colleges) with P4,000 cash prize. All winners received Certificates of Recognition, while the rest of the participants were awarded Certificates of Participation along with a P2,000 cash incentive.

Serving as judges for this art competition included Dr. Maricel Dacapias – Information Section Chief at the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Traning Center I; Cesar Dumo – Visual Artist and owner of Ciano Umok Art Gallery; Atty. Dessa Estrada – Education Supervisor II of Commission on Higher Education-Region 1; and Dan Jorvan Rasay of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 1.

All submitted art pieces of participants will be kept by the project for use in future educational and promotional campaigns—continuing their impact long after the competition.

The event also featured a Quiz Bowl that tested participants’ knowledge on fisheries, marine conservation, and climate resiliency. Ten groups, each composed of three members, competed using chalk and illustration boards to answer questions developed by FishCoRe’s technical personnel.

The team led by Edson D. Gumapos of PSU clinched the first prize and received P15,000 and a Certificate of Recognition. The team led by Patricia Maegan B. Suyat placed second with P10,000, while

Rosinie B. Loy-ong’s group secured third place with P7,500. The remaining teams were each awarded P3,000 and Certificates of Participation.

With both the art and quiz components, the FishCoRe Exposé – Youth Edition successfully highlighted the important role of youth in environmental stewardship. The event served as a platform not only for friendly competition, but also for inspiring future champions of sustainable fisheries and marine resource conservation.

𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐂𝐨𝐑𝐞 is a seven-year project funded by the World Bank, which promotes a comprehensive approach to fisheries governance with a specific focus on the social and ecological dimensions of the Philippines’ waters and its resources, in partnership with local government units. This project aims to bring benefits to approximately half a million fishers and stakeholders nationwide.