LINGAYEN—The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Central Office has given the province of Pangasinan a national award dubbed Gawad Pasasalamat sa mga Kabalikat sa Pangisdaan 2015 for its significant contribution to fishery development, protection and conservation.
The bureau said the province had actively and successfully implemented its coastal resources management projects, specifically on coastal resources education. It aimed to impart to the youth the importance and significance of conserving and protecting the environment.
From 2008 to September 2015, the team was able to reach 92 public schools, benefitting around 9,265 students.
Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr., who received the award on behalf of the province from BFAR-Region 1 director Nestor Domenden during the flag-raising ceremony at the Capitol Grounds recently, thanked Pangasinenses had “internalized” the program.
The governor recalled how his administration wrestled with some groups who showed disapproval of the massive cleaning and clearing of the province’s river system.
The provincial government, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist headed by its officer-in-charge Dalisay Moya, launched the CRE in 2008 to attain sustainable fishery development in coastal areas of Pangasinan.
A technical team from OPAG conducted outreach activities in various public elementary and secondary schools in coastal local government units using videos and other materials.
The CRE involves optimum utilization of the Provincial Mangrove Information Center located in Barangay Arnedo, Bolinao which serves as learning ground on integrated resources management for Lakbay Aral groups from different sectors.
From the center’s operation in 2009 to August this year, a total of 14,872 visitors (both local and foreign) have visited the mangrove center which reportedly became one of the most popular sites and favorite learning destination of other provinces, as well.
A covenant had been executed by the Espino administration among concerned stakeholders including local officials to institutionalize a special project dubbed ‘Ilog ko Aroen tan Bilayen Ko’ which involved massive coastal cleaning along Lingayen Gulf and mangrove tree planting along coastal areas and riverbanks.
In relation to this, 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.