Bureau Of Fisheries And Aquatic Resources

BFAR-Bicol Welcomes Marco Visperas of Aroroy, Masbate as Fisherfolk Regional Director for May 2009

2009 MANGINGISDANG DIREKTOR. BFAR Regional Director Dennis del Socorro (extreme right) turns over the ceremonial key to Fisherfolk Regional Director Marco Visperas of Aroroy, Masbate (in barong). Also in photo are (from left): Regional Fisherfolk Representative Arnel Boholst, Regional FARMC/Fisherfolk Coordinator Noemi Lanzuela, BFAR C.O. Finance Officer Felisa Poniente & Assist. Regional Director Marjurie Grutas.

The month of May marks another significant event for the fisheries sector as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) – Bicol installs Mr. Marco C. Visperas of Aroroy, Masbate as its 5th Fisherfolk Regional Director (FRD). The formal installation and turn-over of the ceremonial key was held at BFAR Regional Office, San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur on May 11, 2009. BFAR OIC-Regional Director Dennis V. Del Soccoro graciously turned-over the symbolic key to Mr. Visperas as witnessed by BFAR employees and fisherfolk leaders. Prior to this, the National and Regional Fisherfolk Directors had an oath-taking ceremony with BFAR Assistant National Director Gil Adora on May 4, 2009 at Cagayan de Oro City.

The assumption of a fisherfolk to become BFAR’s National and Regional Directors for the entire month of May of every year is mandated by Special Order No. 88, Series of 2005 signed by Secretary Arthur C. Yap of the Department of Agriculture. This aims to further “dramatize and popularize the fisherfolk empowerment and participation as government partners,” and was dubbed “Mangingisdang Direktor para sa mas Matatag na Balikatan.”

Already on its 5th run, the program has seen fisherfolk leaders assuming the task of a BFAR Director in the implementation and dissemination of the key programs of the agency. The Special Order also mentions that the fisherfolk director is limited to non-policy determining activities which should not in any way affect the government accounting rules and procedures as well as the civil service rules and regulations governing regular government employees.

The National and Regional Fisherfolk Directors were elected by their fellow fisherfolk leaders in a fisherfolk assembly facilitated by BFAR. They shall serve for a term of one month from May 1 to 31 and in order to give other fisherfolk leaders the opportunity to experience the program, there shall be no repeat in the tenure until the rest of the other leaders have done so.

The 2009 FRD Marco “Coco” Visperas is concurrently the provincial fisherfolk representative of Masbate. Previous Fisherfolk Directors from 2005 to 2009 respectively were Arnel Boholst of Bacacay, Albay; Moises Baral of San Fernando, Camarines Sur; Nestor Plofino of Pasacao, Camarines Sur; and Roy Ladea of Mercedes, Camarines Norte.

In her message, Assistant Regional Director Marjurie Grutas officially welcomed Mr. Visperas to the BFAR family and recalled the partnership of the fisherfolk with BFAR in the enactment of Republic Act No. 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998. She also commended the fisherfolk leaders’ efforts in the creation of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Regional FARMC Coordinator Noemi Lanzuela commended the fisherfolk and their leaders for their support in the actualization of BFAR programs and the establishment of several landmark legislations such as the creation and establishment of FARMC (Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council). She mentioned that the Fisherfolk Regional Director is entitled not only to enjoy the benefits of the Regional Director but to ensure that he will also realize what the fisherfolk sector can do to help BFAR in its mandate. This program aims to strengthen further the continuation of the Fisherfolk Empowerment which makes them “part of the Bureau.”

In his acceptance speech, “Coco” mentioned that the occasion was “a lifetime achievement” for him and that his simple goal at BFAR is to better understand the different sections in the Bureau and the workings of each. The humble FRD also said that he plans to visit the different offices, sections and facilities of BFAR-Bicol. He admitted that he needs assistance because he is not familiar in office works being a mere fisherman who is more familiar with a boat paddle. He wanted to make this event a rich learning experience. As a lay minister, he also emphasized the need to care for humanity and the environment as God’s steward.

BFAR has prepared a month-long list of activities for the FRD that include visits to different BFAR facilities, act as speaker to fishery activities/events, fingerlings dispersal, national simultaneous tree planting and mangrove reforestation and medical/dental mission. Moreover, the Fisherfolk Director will also submit his observations, comments and recommendations relative to his experience after his tenure.

Meanwhile, a community immersion for two weeks is scheduled for Regional Director Dennis del Soccoro in Masbate and Albay. In his message, he said that he will look after the illegal fishing activities there and adds that he will continue his campaign against destructive modes of fishing in Bicol. Last year, he spent his immersion in several coastal towns of Catanduanes.
The Fisherfolk Regional Director Program is part of the month-long celebration of the “Month of the Ocean” and “Farmer’s and Fisherfolk’s Month,” with the theme “Kabuhayan para sa Kaunlaran at Kasaganaan.” (r.v.bueza/rcanabe)

BFAR-Bicol Fisherfolk Regional Director Marco Visperas (standing third from left, second row) poses with other fisherfolk directors during the oath-taking ceremony in Cagayan de Oro City.