Ilocos Sur receives ‘Gawad Pagkilala’

By Freddie G. Lazaro

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources conferred the “Gawad Pagkilala” award to the provincial government of Ilocos Sur for its “efficient and effective implementation of fishery development programs.”

With leadership of Gov. Ryan Luis V. Singson, Ilocos Sur emerged the only province in the entire country that received the most coveted award from the BFAR.

The award is attributed to the provincial government’s strict implementation of its anti-illegal fishing measures, provision of fishing paraphernalia to the fisherfolk, the conduct of trainings, and providing livelihood opportunities to the different coastal barangays.

In behalf of the governor, Provincial Agriculturist Constante Botacion received the award during a recent ceremony which was held at the office of Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in Diliman, Quezon City.

The development of the fishery sector in the province has been the priority of Singson who saw the needs of the people living in the coastal areas that are solely dependent on fishing.

“My ultimate aim for the development of the fishery sector is to improve the production and to uplift the lives of the fishermen,” he pointed out.

The award that the province received was due to the concerted efforts of the provincial government, stakeholders, and the different fishermen associations.

“I thank all our fisherfolk for supporting our projects in the implementation of aquaculture development in our province.  We received such award because of their efforts and cooperation.” Singson said.