CEBU, Philippines — As a way to celebrate the 61st Fisheries Convention Week (FCW), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-7 has lined-up several activities to help promote collaboration in achieving a healthy marine environment in the country.
During the official FCW opening last Monday at the BFAR-7 grounds, the agency emphasized the significance of the annual celebration’s message, which is protecting and conserving marine and aquatic resources.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Sama-sama Tungo sa Maunlad at Likas-Kayang Pangisdaan sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
Under the leadership of OIC Regional Director Mario Ruinata, the celebration began with a parade showcasing the colors yellow, green, blue, and red hues representing the major commodities in the region namely, tilapia, guso, bangus, and pasayan.
The participants were from the regional fisheries office, provincial fisheries offices (PFOs), and technology outreach stations (TOS), all gathered to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of fisheries conservation.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA-7) likewise joined in the observance of FCW, which aims to promote the importance of fish and other aquatic products to the people’s wellbeing and the country’s economy.
The 61st FCW aligns with MARINA's overriding programs on the promotion of environmentally sustainable maritime industry, as well as the enhancement of maritime transport safety and security.
The strategic and core functions of MARINA, accordingly, include ensuring the safety and security of life and property at sea, and protection of the marine environment, which are closely related to fish conservation efforts.
FCW is celebrated every third week of September of every year alongside the declaration of the month of September as the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) both by virtue of the Presidential Proclamation No. 316 Series of 2017.
This year’s theme for MANA Mo is “Pamana ng Karagatan: Ating Ingatan Para sa Kinabukasan.”
The MANA Mo is an opportunity to celebrate the Philippines’ rich maritime culture and at the same time, to raise awareness of obligations in promoting maritime safety and security, and protecting marine resources so the Philippine maritime zone remains viable for present and future Filipino generations.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard District Central Visayas led by Commodore Christopher Meniado, Commander of CGDCV spearheaded the opening ceremony for the National Maritime Week Friendly Sports Competition 2024 on September 16, 2024 at the Cebu Port Authority Gymnasium, Sergio Osmeña Avenue, Cebu City.
The sports fest is a week-long event and part of the National Maritime Week 2024 celebration, which primary goal is to boost morale and welfare through engaging in fun games and sportsmanship while also strengthening the camaraderie among maritime groups and stakeholders in Cebu. —/ATO (FREEMAN)