TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL — The national government has brought its leadership directly to the shores of Bohol, ensuring that the voices of local fisherfolk guide the policies meant to support them. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources National Director Elizer Salilig visited the province to personally engage with coastal communities, assess operations, and reaffirm the agency’s commitment to their vital role in regional food security.
The visit was conducted under BFAR's Mangingisdang Direktor Program, which immerses top officials in the day-to-day realities of fishing communities. Salilig said the firsthand experience is crucial for aligning national policies with actual needs on the ground. He participated in a hands‑on lambaklad harvest, a sustainable Japanese set‑net fishing technology, alongside Garcia Hernandez Mayor Filadelfo Jess III Baja and members of the East Lungsodaan Fisherfolk Association.
Listening Where It Matters Most
Beyond the harvest, Salilig led a focus group discussion to hear directly from fisherfolk about the difficulties they face and the support they require. The dialogue provided unfiltered insights into the daily struggles of those who depend on the sea, from fluctuating catches to the need for better equipment and post‑harvest facilities. The director assessed the efficiency of the lambaklad method as a potential model for sustainable livelihoods.
These conversations are vital for crafting responsive programs, ensuring that government interventions are not designed in a vacuum but are rooted in the lived experience of the communities they serve. The immersion allowed Salilig to see firsthand the challenges and opportunities present in Bohol’s fisheries sector.
Strengthening the Foundation for the Future
Salilig’s tour included visits to key fisheries infrastructure projects that will secure Bohol’s long‑term production capacity. He inspected the Upland Tilapia Hatchery in Mayana, Jagna, and the ongoing construction of an Aqua‑Business Technology Incubator and a Multi‑Species Hatchery in Barangay Sinandigan, Ubay. These facilities are designed to boost fry and fingerling production, ensuring a steady supply for local fish farmers.
The BFAR chief also attended the Farmers and Fisherfolk Month provincial contest in Tagbilaran City and presided over the BFAR Region 7 Management Committee meeting. The meetings focused on integrating the valuable insights gathered from the ground into the region's operational plans, turning community feedback into concrete action. The agency remains committed to refining its programs and expanding support for the province's fisherfolk.
