VARIOUS fisherfolk cooperatives and local government units that are home to big fishing communities welcomed the appointment Elizer Salilig as director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), saying that having a career official at the helm of the agency bodes well for the fisheries sector.
President Marcos Jr. recently named Salilig, who has been a public servant engaged in fisheries management for the last 34 years, to BFAR’s top post and was sworn into office by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel last January 24.
Juliet Gutierrez, president of Samaka Sablayan, an association of more than 20 cooperatives, credited Salilig for helping them organize cooperatives for women fisherfolk in the MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) achieve the group’s goal of establishing “one women fisherfolk cooperative per municipality.”
Geraldo Abello, chairperson of Dahilican Roxas Fishermen Cooperative, said Salilig was instrumental in upskilling fishers in Oriental Mindoro to become entrepreneurs and engage in small businesses beyond fishing.
Bongabong Mayor Elegio Malaluan, the president of the League of Mayors of Oriental Mindoro, said Salilig’s stint as regional director of BFAR-MIMAROPA strengthened cooperation and collaboration between the agency and local government units, particularly in the enforcement and implementation of fisheries laws, rules and regulations in a bid to keep a peaceful environment for both commercial and municipal fishers.
Salilig said it was the responsibility of the agency to improve the lot of fisherfolk, the sector that plays a vital role in ensuring there is food on the table for every Filipino.
Speaking for the first time to his colleagues in BFAR since his appointment to the post last week, Salilig said: “The fisheries sector is an important pillar in the food supply chain and our economy.”
According to Salilig, who started as a fishery technician for the Department of Agriculture in Region XII, one of his goals is to boost the aquaculture industry and production.
“Amid the growing challenges posed by climate change, I am determined to focus on strengthening the aquaculture industry and transitioning toward sustainable fisheries practices,” the new BFAR chief said upon his appointment.
“To achieve this, we will actively collaborate with other government agencies and academic institutions to enhance research and development efforts,” he said.
“Ultimately, my goal is to lead the agency in fulfilling its mission to ensure fish sufficiency, improve the quality of life of our fisherfolk, and align with the President’s vision of boosting productivity and yields, thereby uplifting their standard of living.”
