TACLOBAN CITY — The municipality of Tanauan in Leyte has been recognized for its contribution to fisheries education through its support for the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP) in Eastern Visayas.
Tanauan received the FSP Advocate Award – Outstanding Local Government Unit Category during the 63rd Fish Conservation Week celebration and stakeholders’ recognition event held at the Luxent Hotel in Diliman, Quezon City on Sept. 18, 2026.
The award from the Department of Agriculture-BFAR recognized Tanauan’s active collaboration and sustained support for the implementation of the FSP in Region VIII.
BFAR cited the municipality’s support for fisheries education and scholar development, including practices that helped strengthen the implementation of the scholarship program.
The agency said such efforts contribute to developing fisheries professionals who can help advance and sustainably manage the country’s fisheries sector.
The recognition was given as BFAR and its partners observed the 63rd Fish Conservation Week, which promotes the protection of fisheries and aquatic resources and stronger cooperation among government agencies, local governments, fisherfolk, academic institutions and other stakeholders.
This year’s celebration carries the theme “Lusay, Korales, at Bakawan: Yaman ng Karagatan, Masaganang Buhay ng Pamayanan,” highlighting the importance of healthy marine ecosystems to communities and livelihoods.
The BFAR Fisheries Scholarship Program provides educational opportunities to qualified students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries. It includes scholarship components for honor students, children of registered municipal fisherfolk and qualified Indigenous students.
For Tanauan, the recognition underscores its partnership with BFAR in supporting young people who could contribute to the sustainable management and development of fisheries resources.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
