“𝘕𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩: 𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘪𝘴𝘥𝘰𝘮, 𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘯𝘹𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺, & 𝘜𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘌𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴”

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) XI conducted its Year-End Evaluation and Learning & Development Intervention for Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP) scholars on December 8–9, 2025 in Davao City. The initiative aimed at strengthening the academic performance and enhancing the overall well-being of student beneficiaries.

The annual activity, organized by the HRMU–Fisheries Scholarship Program (HRMU–FSP) of BFAR XI, serves as a venue to review scholars’ academic standing, address recurring issues and concerns, and reinforce interventions that support leadership development and personal growth.

A total of 61 scholars from Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), and Mindanao State University–General Santos City (MSU–GenSan) participated in the two-day activity.

In his message, BFAR XI Regional Director Relly B. Garcia emphasized the bureau’s commitment to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for scholars.

Dir. Garcia noted that the activity seeks to strengthen camaraderie, broaden learning opportunities, and equip scholars with the skills and discipline needed as future stewards of the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources.

Sessions throughout the activity covered topics about personal and academic development. Ms. Napthali Joy Apostol, Financial Advisor from InLife at Work, discussed financial management, highlighting practical strategies for budgeting, saving, and making informed financial decisions.

Ms. Joan Beverly Navarrete, Administrative Officer IV of DNSC, addressed the link between procrastination and anxiety, offering insights into behavioral patterns that hinder productivity and techniques to improve study habits and time management.

Meanwhile, Atty. Joana Karla P. Guilonsod, BFAR XI Legal Officer, conducted an orientation on the Safe Spaces Act and Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, underscoring the agency’s commitment to ensuring a safe, respectful, and accountable environment for all scholars. The session also supports the ongoing national campaign on Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC).

The activity was culminated in an open forum led by BFAR XI FSP Regional Coordinator Reissa D. Tarazona where scholars raised concerns and recommendations to further improve program implementation and service delivery. Ms. Tarazona also expressed her gratitude to all scholars and facilitators for their active participation and valuable contributions to the success of the activity.

The activity forms part of BFAR XI’s sustained efforts to support its scholars academically while fostering resilience, discipline, and responsible leadership.