BFAR SECURING THE NATION’S FUTURE THROUGH FISHERIES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
October 14, 2020

Lelyn Hermetanio, 54 years old, is a resident of Prk. 1-A Lacson, Calinan, Davao City. Their family initially relied on the income of her husband, Armando Cadiz Maravillas as a local farmer in their community. But when her husband suffered stroke and rheumatic arthritis, it became difficult for their family to sustain the daily needs since they mostly depend on farming as their primary source of income.

Despite this unfortunate circumstance, Lelyn took over the duties of being the breadwinner of the family by venturing into aquaculture.

Due to her husband’s condition, Lelyn’s family suffered financially and it became a challenge for the spouses to provide a college education to their children, especially for their twins, Arce H. Maravillas and Arjay H. Maravillas, who were part of the Top 10 Graduating Class of 2020 in Calinan National High School.

With optimism and determination to seek a brighter future for her children, Lelyn sought aid from the government by applying for an educational grant for her twins under the Fisheries Scholarship Program of DA-BFAR XI, when she came to know during her participation in one of BFAR XI’s training conducted in Calinan.

In January 2020, Lelyn’s twins, passed the qualifying exams and are now scholars under the BFAR-XI Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP).

The Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP) is one of the banner programs of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) which aims to provide educational assistance to deserving children of registered municipal fisherfolk to pursue higher education and eventually, gain employment opportunities in the field of fisheries.

This year, BFAR highlights the inclusion of qualified Indigenous Peoples in availing the benefits of the program, as part of its commitment to make government support and assistance accessible to the IP communities.

BFAR believes a child armed with proper education can contribute to the development of their community leading towards nation-building.

For more details about FSP: https://www.facebook.com/RFTFCDXI/posts/963505897429201

1st photo, circa 2018.

Courtesy: Lelyn Hermetanio