Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources-III
Brief History and Development
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources started as a Division of Fisheries in the Bureau of Science on January 1, 1933. It was made part of the Fish and Game Administration under the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce. It was organized afterwards as the Bureau of Fisheries on July 1, 1947 under R.A. No. 177.
On March 20, 1963, R.A. 3512 reorganized it into the Philippine Fisheries Commission. On September 21, 1972, it was reverted back again to its original name as Bureau of Fisheries and this time, the first Fisheries Office in the Region was established. On May 17, 1977 by virtue of R.A. No. 461, the office was renamed BFAR, a line agency under the Ministry of Natural Resources with different regional offices. BFAR Region 3 then was holding office in San Fernando, Pampanga. Side by side, provincial offices were established in the six provinces of the region. BFAR was integrated under one umbrella agency in the regions in 1987.
However with the implementation of RA 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, the provincial and municipal offices of DA were devolved to the concerned local government units thus losing direct supervision over its manpower in the field including fisheries. After almost 12 years of rallying, the long awaited RA 8550 (The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998) was enacted, in which, BFAR is no longer a staff bureau but changed once again as a line agency.
VISION
- A modernized fisheries that is technologically advance and globally competitive.
- Its transformation is guided by sound management practices of resources, sustainability, the principle of sound social justice and strong private sector participation.
MISSION
- Conserve, protect and sustain the management of the country's fishery and aquatic resources.
- Alleviate poverty and provide supplementary livelihood among fisherfolk.
- improve aquaculture productivity within ecological limit.
- Utilize optimally the offshore and deep-sea resources.
- Upgrade post-harvest technology.
Fisheries Extension and Training
Fisheries Extension and Training is considered to be the working arm of fisheries. In Region Ill, it is supported by personnel trained in the various aspects of fisheries. The objective of fishery extension is to assist cooperators with regard to the technical aspects of fisheries. Extension serves as dissemination tools of technological advancements moving toward a goal of further improving the regions fishery production and making it competitive in the global market. Activities of extension include
among others, training, technical and business advisory services and establishment of pilot fishery projects.
Fisheries Resource Management
In order to achieve food security, BFAR Regional Field Unit 3, in collaboration with LGUs, Maritime Police and other concerned agencies, is tasked to utilize, manage, develop, conserve and protect fishery resources to provide the food needs of the population. The program is focused on implementing integrated marine resources management activities, rehabilitate aquatic habitat like the installation of artificial fish shelters and establishment of fish sanctuaries, strictly enforce fishery laws, rule and regulations like conduct of monitoring control and surveillance activities, issuance of licenses, among others and establishment and strengthening of FARMCs at the national and municipal levels. Aside from this, livelihood assistance is being extended tofisherfolk in order to uplift their socio-economic status as mandated in R.A. 8550.
Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
The Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is tasked with main obligation of supporting the operations of all the divisions in the BFAR Regional Field Unit 3. Such aid is extended by preparing plans and programs in furtherance of the goals and objectives of the agency. It also monitors all activities to insure continuity and constancy of programs and fulfilling one of the thrusts of GMAFisheries Program by creating awareness among the people of Central Luzon, particularly the fisherfolks through a well-coordinated information system focusing on its regional fisheries.
Fisheries Research and Development
The Research Outreach Station (ROS) in the regions are mandated to: (a) Serve as satellite stations of the RIARCS and links between the regional and provincial RDE programs, (b) Undertake downstream applied research (c) Demonstrate new and appropriate technologies (d) Serve as educational and training facility and (e) Propagate genetic materials.
for inquiries you may contact us at:
BFAR-III
Government Center, Maimpis
City of San Fernando (P)
Tel.#s: (045)455-0824/455-0877/455-0878
Telefax: (045)455-0823
E-mail add: bfar_3@yahoo.com.ph/bfar3.pmed@gmail.com
Official website: bfar.da.gov.ph
