Nineteen scholars under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Bicol’s Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP) successfully completed their bachelor’s degrees this year, with four graduates earning Latin honors, highlighting the program’s commitment to academic excellence and the development of future fisheries professionals.

 

The outstanding graduates are Dexter Toledo and Eriel Ayapana of Bicol University Tabaco Campus; Christian Marabillo of Cebu Technological University–Carmen Campus; and Jessa Ann Bolagot of Partido State University–Sagnay Campus. All four academic achievers are children of fisherfolk, whose success reflects their determination, perseverance, and the value of educational opportunities extended to fisherfolk families. In recognition of their exemplary academic performance, each graduate who earned cum laude honors received a PHP 20,000 cash incentive pursuant to Fisheries Administrative Order No. 257-1, series of 2020, which provides incentives to FSP scholars who earn Latin honors upon graduation.

 

The Fisheries Scholarship Program continues to provide educational support to deserving students pursuing fisheries degree programs. This year, the 19 scholars completed their studies from six state universities: Central Luzon State University in Nueva Ecija, Bicol University Tabaco Campus, Partido State University–Sagnay Campus, Cebu Technological University–Carmen Campus, Sorsogon State University–Magallanes Campus, and the University of Camarines Norte–Mercedes Campus (formerly Camarines Norte State College).

 

BFAR Bicol Regional Director Ariel U. Pioquinto congratulated the graduates on this significant milestone, emphasizing that their perseverance, discipline, and dedication exemplify the transformative impact of education and sustained government support. He also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for deserving students and fisherfolk families, while nurturing a new generation of competent fisheries professionals who will help drive innovation, promote sustainable fisheries, strengthen coastal communities, and contribute to the long-term development of the Philippine fisheries sector.

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