20/07/2026
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๐๐ ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐
๐ข๐ฌ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ก๐จ๐จ๐๐ฌ
The Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD), in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources V (BFAR), conducted TechXchange: Technology-Driven Innovations for Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Coastal Livelihoods for Food Security on July 16, 2026 at the Dean Geronimo Lavilla Hall, Bicol University Tabaco.
The activity gathered technology transfer representatives from BCAARRD's Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs), BFAR partners, local government units, and fisherfolk organizations to facilitate knowledge exchange and present technologies, programs, and best practices that support sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development in the Bicol Region.
A series of technical presentations highlighted BFAR V's priority programs and initiatives. Mr. Ruben P. Peyra, Planning Officer/Senior FRO, presented BFAR 5 programs and projects. Atty. Nilo B. Consuelo FP, Chief, Fisheries Production and Support Services Division, discussed best practices and success stories of fisheries livelihood programs implemented across the region.
Mr. Joelle M. Benavidez, Chief of the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division, presented BFAR's fisherfolk empowerment and extension services, focusing on capacity-building initiatives for fishing communities. Ms. Junalin B. Bacellano, Chief of the Fisheries Management and Regulatory Enforcement Division (FMRED), presented updates on Fisheries Management Area 7 and its strategies for sustainable fisheries management. Ms. Rowena B. Briones, Officer-in-Charge of the Regional Fisheries Information Unit, presented the BFAR Fisheries Scholarship Program, outlining educational opportunities available to qualified beneficiaries.
BCAARRD Consortium Director Dr. Lester M. Narvaez also presented "Connecting Science, Nature, and People through BCAARRD," providing participants with an overview of the Consortium's mandate, technology transfer initiatives, and research and development programs supporting the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sector.
An open forum followed the presentations, providing participants with the opportunity to raise questions and seek clarification directly from BFAR resource persons on fisheries programs, technical services, and livelihood initiatives.
The TechXchange was led by Dr. Rowena F. Zoilo, BCAARRD Regional Technology Transfer Coordinator. It marked the third TechXchange organized by BCAARRD, serving as a platform for technology transfer, exchange of best practices, and collaboration among consortium member institutions and stakeholders in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sector.
