3 BFAR XI scholars and alumni recently gathered in Davao City for a two-day year-end activity.

BFAR XI Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Relly Garcia highlighted that the event aims to enhance learning opportunities and camaraderie among scholars.

“This is also an avenue for BFAR XI to assess and evaluate academic performance, address various issues faced by scholars, and come up with possible solutions,” RD Garcia added.

Dr. Esmeralda Paz Manalang, BFAR Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP) Consultant, presented insights on Values Restoration and Leadership. She tackled the importance of values towards success, emphasizing the five moral values in a student’s life such as honesty, empathy, compassion, and responsibility.

“Maintaining these values and beliefs encourages the students to persevere through difficult times and to work hard to achieve their goals,” Dr. Manalang said.

Shannice Noel, a 2nd year BS Fisheries scholar from Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), shared her perspective on the importance of practicing good values in daily lives.

“As a student, there are times that we will be tested by circumstances, but we must stick to our core values. This is a reminder for us to always do good, not just for ourselves but for others as well,” Noel said.

Financial Advisor Herbert Cedeño covered topics related to Financial Literacy towards Financial Freedom. Jhovan Quilab, a 2nd year BS Fisheries scholar from SPAMAST, shared his new learnings about the seven steps towards financial freedom, including setting clear goals, establishing a saving habit, preparing for emergencies, acquiring insurance, exploring ways to earn more, building a financial plan with an advisor, and staying the course.

Meanwhile, Engr. Albert C. Gabriel of the Department of Information and Communications Technology XI discussed Cybersecurity and Data Privacy. Kenneth Maneja, a 1st year BS Fisheries scholar from Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), advised students to be more vigilant in protecting personal and sensitive information from cyber threats.

Janibal Bersabal Jr., a 2nd year BS Fisheries scholar from DNSC also shared his takeaways and emphasized the importance of applying acquired knowledge.

“This training also reminded me of my grandfather’s advice to apply the learnings. According to him, some people have been taught but never applied, and some have done things without being taught. Some are educated but lack practical experience,” Bersabal said.

FSP Recognition Night was also organized to give merit to those scholars who showcased exemplary academic performance and alumni who recently passed the Fisheries Professional licensure examination, including Ardina Baddang, Ardelyn Mondejar, Vincent Paul Tusan, Kaye Necesario, Anna May Baldomero, and Nehab Kutin.

The event, organized by BFAR XI FSP, also featured team-building activities and talent showcases for the participants, and facilitated the election of officers.

The fisheries scholarship program, a flagship initiative of BFAR, grants scholarships to deserving fisherfolk children, individuals excelling in their graduating class, and Indigenous Cultural Communities/ Indigenous Peoples.