Pangasinan earns BFAR national award
THE provincial government earned another national award from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for its significant contributions to fishery development, protection, and conservation.
The Gawad Pasasalamat sa mga Kabalikat sa Pangisdaan 2015 award, presented to Espino administration by BFAR Region 1 director Nestor Domenden for actively implementing coastal resources management projects, specifically coastal resources education (CRE).
According to Gov. Amado Espino Jr., the award was in recognition of the CRE projects of the province to promote the importance of conserving and protecting the environment and informing students of the provincial government’s environmental related projects.
Interviewed by the media, the Mr. Espino recounted the uphill battle being confronted by some groups who resisted efforts to clean and clear the province’s river system.
“Nakita niyo naman paano ako binatikos diyan, halos walang gustong sumuporta kasi mag-eeleksyo nnoon. Sabi nila masisira ang kabuhayan ng mga tao,” Mr. Espino said as he added that after years of hard work, determination, and strong political will to reap worthy results, people started to open their eyes and realize the positive things about the once ‘unpopular’ project.
The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, headed Dalisay Moya, launched the CRE in 2008 to attain sustainable fishery development in coastal areas of Pangasinan, conducting outreach activities in 92 public schools in coastal local government units (LGUs) using videos and other materials.
The CRE also involved optimum utilization of the Provincial Mangrove Information Center located in Bolinao.
Moreover, a covenant was signed by the Espino administration with concerned stakeholders including local officials to institutionalize ‘Ilog ko Aroen tan Bilayen Ko’ which involved massive coastal cleaning along Lingayen Gulf and mangrove tree planting along coastal areas and riverbanks.
Special projects on tree planting in denuded mountains and continual environmental advocacy are held in rural communities and schools throughout the province.
The “Ilog Ko, Aroen Tan Bilayen Ko” program of the province which is one of its flagship programs on environment is anchored on preserving the natural beauty of river systems in the province, maximizing it as a sustainable source of livelihood to marginalized fishermen and also as long term flood mitigation. (Johanne R. Macob)
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