BFAR XI concludes its month-long celebration of National Women’s Month (NWM) on March 26, 2024, at the BFAR XI Regional Office, Davao City.
The culminating event brought together BFAR XI employees from across the region to witness and showcase the office’s Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, highlighting the accomplishments of City and Provincial Fisheries Offices in empowering women and promoting gender equality in the fisheries sector.
Throughout the month, BFAR XI spearheaded various livelihood interventions, including the distribution of an estimated 562,000 pcs of tilapia fingerlings in support of fish farmers, various post-harvest equipment for the livelihoods of some women-led fisherfolk associations namely, Cagangohan Women’s Association and Lapaz Fish Processor Association in Davao del Norte, Samahan ng Babaeng Mangingisda Para sa Alternatibong Pangkabuhayan of Lupon in Davao Oriental, Fishing Village Women’s Association in Davao Occidental, among others, training programs, and technical assistance, benefitting over 1000 individuals.
Organized by the BFAR XI Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS), the event also featured a poster-making contest centered around this year’s theme “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!” The Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division (RFTFCD) won 1st place, with the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division (FPSSD) and Admin and Finance Section awarded 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.
Consolation prizes were also given to outstanding participants from the Office of the Regional Director, Fisheries Management Regulatory Enforcement Division (FMRED), Provincial Fisheries Office – Davao del Sur (PFO DS), and Group of Drivers.
A Quiz Bee about GAD was another highlight of the event, testing employees’ knowledge and understanding of gender-related issues, policies, and strategies. The FPSSD ranked 1st place, with the City Fisheries Office-Davao City and PFO Davao del Sur, and PFO Davao Occidental and Multi-Species Hatchery securing 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. Consolation prizes were also received by the Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Unit, RFTFCD, and FMRED.
BFAR XI remains at the forefront of GAD mainstreaming efforts working towards bridging gender gaps and empowering women in the fisheries sector. By integrating GAD into programs, projects, and activities, BFAR XI continues to promote inclusivity and equality, driving positive change for a more equitable future in fisheries.
