by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (October 23) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Caraga Region recently commemorated the 43rd Fish Conservation Week in pursuant to Proclamation No. 176, signed by former President Diosdado Macapagal.

In a written statement, Director Alauya Olama emphasized that this year's celebration is very significant as it comes at the heels when the country's fisheries sector has been experiencing growth upsurge as manifested in its 24 percent contribution to agriculture's production in the first semester.

Dir. Olama added that the celebration is also timely as the country experiences environment devastation like the Guimaras oil spill incident that threatens the habitat of the fish and other sea creatures, as well as the livelihood of our fisherfolk in the affected coastal municipalities.

"The country is yet to see the end of the devastation that is being caused by this disaster. Thus, we deem it very important for this year's celebration to put great emphasis on the delicate life of the sea with the theme 'May Buhay ang Dagat', Olama said.

In line with the celebration, a poster-making contest dubbed as "Fisheries of the Ocean" took place at the covered court of Buenavista National High School, NMSF Compound in Matabao, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. The event has three-pronged objectives, whose aim is to stir public awareness on the need to conserve and protect the country's fisheries and aquatic resources, provide a medium to show the oneness and inter-connectedness (pagkakaugnay-ugnay) of the different aquatic ecosystems including the distinct fish species and habitats in the various water bodies of the country, and contribute to the country's bid to break the Guinness World Record for the longest painting on continuous canvass.